Vet News: Fisher House Dedicated at Tampa VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now better able to care for the families of injured military servicemen and women recuperating at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The newest Fisher House, dedicated August 6 at the Tampa facility, will provide families free lodging, making it easier to participate in the care and recovery of their loved ones.

“This new Fisher House gives military families a safe, comfortable, home-like environment, allowing them to be near their loved ones during their recoveries. We are pleased to lighten the burden by offering accommodations for the families,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.

Nicholson participated in a ceremony transferring ownership of the Fisher House to VA. The Department will operate and maintain the home at no cost to its residents.

This is the 38th Fisher House built by the Fisher House Foundation and the ninth operated by VA. At 16,000 square feet, the Tampa Fisher House is among the largest of these comfort homes which can accommodate up to 21 families.

Some families travel long distances to Tampa’s Polytrauma Center – one of four unique VA polytrauma facilities in the United States where the most severely injured and disabled Veterans are treated.

In addition to polytrauma patients, those receiving care in the hospital’s other specialized programs, such as spinal cord injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, will benefit from the Fisher House.

SOURCE: US Department of Veterans Affair