GOVERNOR CRIST NAMES VETERANS HEALTH CARE VOLUNTEERS AS POINTS OF LIGHT FOR HEALTH CARE QUALITY WEEK
October 22, 2009
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GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today recognized the volunteers of the federally-managed Veterans Affairs (VA) Sunshine Healthcare Network as this week’s Points of Light in honor of Health Care Quality Week.
“The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network provides exceptional and compassionate health care for Florida’s returning wartime veterans and for the veterans of previous generations,” said Governor Crist. “The commitment of thousands of staff members and volunteers to providing the very best care for those who bravely defended our nation is exemplary.”
During the 2007-08 federal fiscal year, more than 6,800 network volunteers provided nearly 715,000 hours of service to veterans in Florida, representing the equivalent of 295 full-time positions. In addition, the network volunteers raised more than $1.7 million in monetary donations that are benefiting VA hospitals throughout Florida.Network volunteers perform a variety of duties at VA medical centers, national cemeteries and regional offices throughout the state. At medical centers, the roles of volunteers range from traditional support, such as escorting patients and administrative duties, to creative activities, such as teaching arts and crafts and developing newsletters. As the federal VA has expanded its care of patients into community settings, volunteers now also assist VA staff in hospice programs, outpatient clinics, home-based primary care and outreach centers.
At cemeteries, volunteers provide military honors at burial services, create memorials, plant trees and flowers, build historical trails and place flags on graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Volunteers are also active in supporting community programs aimed at reaching and serving the homeless, offering a variety of services. The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network is headquartered on the campus of the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Volunteers assist the more than 18,500 full time employees at the network’s facilities throughout the state. Today’s Points of Light recognition follows Governor Crist’s invitation for Floridians to join him by observing October 18-24, 2009 as Health Care Quality Week in Florida.AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.
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HEALTH CARE QUALITY WEEK
WHEREAS, the State of Florida licenses more than 687,000 active health care practitioners in the health care industry; and
WHEREAS, consumers are concerned with the quality, expense, and safety of healthcare; and
WHEREAS, health care professionals make a positive contribution to improving clinical outcomes, reducing costs, and helping to ensure patient safety by facilitating continual improvement in the varied health care organizations providing service to the citizens of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the delivery of high quality, cost-effective and safe health care to its citizens is important to the State of Florida;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing October 18-24, 2009 as Health Care Quality Week.
Charlie Crist
Governor