Tallahassee, Florida (July 2023) – Home Base Florida, a leading organization dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to Veterans and Their Families, is applauding the approval of $1.5 million by the Florida legislature in support of its mission. This $500,000 boost in funding, compared to last year’s allocation, will play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding Home Base Florida’s critical clinical programs in Southwest Florida and serving veterans from across the state.

“Governor DeSantis and lawmakers are committed to maintaining Florida as the most veteran friendly state by providing veterans and their families with abundant resources and opportunities. Home Base Florida is incredibly grateful for this generous state funding increase, as it will greatly impact the lives of our veterans and their families,” said Armando Hernandez, Senior Director at Home Base Florida. “Our mission to support our heroes and their loved ones requires continuous effort and resources. These funds will help us build on our fundraising initiatives to help us continue to deliver the highest standard of care and support to those who have sacrificed so much.”

The additional funding will support Home Base Florida’s outpatient clinical services, Warrior Health and Fitness, education/training, and the launch of traumatic brain injury services for Florida Veterans and their Families at no cost to them and regardless of the era of service or discharge status. This inclusive approach ensures that all those who have served, and their loved ones have equal opportunity to receive the care they deserve, fostering healing and well-being within the veteran community. 

Hernandez expressed gratitude to Senator Jay Collins and Representative Lauren Melo, the esteemed sponsors of this bill. He said, “Senator Collins is an extraordinary individual, having served as a highly decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient for over two decades. His dedication to the well-being of our Veterans is truly commendable. Representative Melo, who is the mother of an Army Veteran, has been a long-time Veterans advocate and supporter of Home Base. We are grateful for her tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and support of our brave servicemen and servicewomen.”

Furthermore, Hernandez extended appreciation to House Speaker Paul Renner and long-time supporters, Senator Kathleen Passidomo, President of Florida Senate, Senator Danny Burgess, and Ret. General James Hartsell, the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He said, “Their unwavering commitment to our Veterans and their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in advancing this funding. We appreciate their ongoing support.”

Home Base Florida remains committed to its mission of healing the invisible wounds of war and supporting Veterans and their Families throughout their journey to recovery. With the additional state funding and ongoing community support, Home Base Florida will continue to expand its programs, provide vital care, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served. 

About Home Base Florida:

Home Base Florida is a leading nonprofit organization that provides clinical care, wellness, education, and research to help veterans, service members, and their families heal from the invisible wounds of war. Through comprehensive and innovative programs, Home Base Florida aims to improve the lives of those affected by military service-related trauma and promote overall mental health and well-being. For more information, visit www.homebase.org/florida

About our programs:

Home Base Florida is proud to collaborate with David Lawrence Center and Lee Health, to offer gold standard outpatient clinical services created specifically for Veterans and their Family Members. Through this program, participants can access free outpatient therapy, providing them with crucial mental health support. One of the remarkable aspects of this initiative is that there are no limitations on the frequency of sessions, and it is open to Veterans and their Family Members regardless of the era of service or discharge status. This inclusive approach ensures that all those who have served, and their loved ones have equal opportunity to receive the care they deserve, fostering healing and well-being within the veteran community. 

 Warrior Health and Fitness is an exceptional program offered by Home Base Florida that provides a comprehensive and free 90-day experience tailored to the personal health needs of Veterans and Their Family Members. Throughout this transformative period, participants engage in one-on-one sessions with certified personal trainers and dietitians who will guide

them in setting and achieving their health goals. The program focuses on fostering physical fitness, improving overall well-being, and establishing healthy lifestyle habits.

In collaboration with Tampa General Hospital, Home Base Florida is excited to announce the expansion of its programs with the introduction of the Comprehensive Brain Health and Trauma Program. This innovative initiative aims to provide specialized care for military personnel and Veterans who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The program offers a comprehensive approach, combining coordinated evaluation, integrated treatment, and care coordination for Active-Duty Members and Veterans with mild and moderate TBIs. By leveraging the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team, Home Base Florida is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care and support to individuals affected by TBI, ensuring their well-being and successful recovery.