Lee Health and NCH Healthcare System team up to combat COVID-19 regionally in SWFL, call for community support

SWFL Stronger Together Campaign Encourages Support Amid Healthcare Pandemic

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 19, 2020) – The Southwest Florida region’s healthcare leaders Lee Health and NCH Healthcare System (NCH) have joined efforts to combat the challenges presented by the current pandemic COVID-19. These nonprofit organizations are on the frontline of the crisis serving the community and collaborating on all fronts, sharing policies, action plans and daily media updates, coordinating outreach efforts including drive through testing sites to better serve the region, working together to limit non-urgent surgeries, and completing joint Continuing Medical Education (CME) training for team members.

Today, Lee Health and NCH announce the “SWFL Stronger Together” campaign. This campaign is representative of the work that has and continues to take place, and the collaborative relationship that exists. Together, Lee Health and NCH are asking the Southwest Florida community to join them, to come together and show support. Gifts to the SWFL Stronger Together fund will provide critical resources, equipment and supplies needed to support our doctors and nurses. Donations will help provide additional ventilators, protective gear, mobile units, employee relief and more.

“We’re delighted we are able to continuously explore new and innovative ways that our two healthcare systems can strengthen healthcare in Southwest Florida and better serve our community,” commented Dr. Larry Antonucci, President & CEO of Lee Health. “During this time where COVID-19 has no borders, our organizations have collaborated in unprecedented ways. The Lee Health and NCH teams have fully embraced the concept of collaboration and community. We are stronger together, and SWFL will benefit greatly from our systems continuing to work together.”

“During this challenging time for our communities, we appreciate the collaboration with our healthcare systems, including Lee Health,” said NCH Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hiltz. “Now is the time for all of us to pull together to make a difference for our family, friends and neighbors as we continue to care for our community. We appreciate your support. We are all stronger together.”

The healthcare systems also shared a need for blood donations. Community members can arrange to donate blood by calling Lee Health blood centers at 239-343-2333 or NCH Community Blood Center at 239-624-4120. Donating blood takes about 45 minutes and is a good way to help, as well as show support for our region’s doctors and nurses who are on the frontline.

For more information or to make an online donation to SWFL Stronger Together, visit SWFLtogether.org. Resources through this site also include free telehealth information, hotlines, COVID-19 news and updates, as well as an “Ask the Experts” forum.

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at LeeHealth.org.

About NCH Healthcare System

The NCH Healthcare System is a not-for-profit, multi-facility healthcare system located in Naples, Florida, and is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The System is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Naples Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of 775 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Collier County and southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life.  For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.