Contact:
 Communications Office
 NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
 850-245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health honors and supports veterans, members of the military, and their families this Veterans Day weekend. More than 1.5 million veterans call Florida home. In recognition of Florida’s veteran health care practitioners, the Department has released a new “Florida Veteran Health Heroes” resource.

“The individuals featured have performed above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the health and safety of others while protecting our country,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “It is important that we recognize and honor their service to our nation and commitment to improving the health of Floridians.”

“The Florida Department of Health is committed to serving members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces and their families,” said Department Chief of Staff Cassandra G. Pasley. “As a veteran I appreciate the sacrifices made by those who serve our country, and I am honored to highlight these veteran health heroes.”

The Florida Department of Health is pleased to present a diverse group of health heroes across a broad scope of health care professions who have served with excellence.

The 2021 Florida Veteran Health Heroes honorees are:

• Christopher Cole, PA-C
• Jason Comerford, DC
• Wildyana Lafond, RMHCI, RMFTI
• Christine Mueller, DNP, RN, PCCN-K

For more information about these exceptional individuals, please visit Florida Veteran Health Heroes.

Florida seeks to become the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. In support of this goal, the Department offers several licensure support services to qualified military families. One such service is the Florida Veterans Application for Licensure Online Response (VALOR) process. The VALOR process provides expedited licensing for honorably discharged veterans and their spouses seeking licensure in all health care professions. Veterans and spouses who apply through the VALOR process receive a waiver of most licensing fees.

Learn more about how military members and spouses can obtain health care licensing by visiting the Department’s Armed Forces Licensing webpage.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.