FORT MYERS, Fla. — Yesterday, First Lady Casey DeSantis visited the First Responder Base Camp in Lee County to help distribute meals and meet with First Responders aiding in Hurricane Ian recovery and response. Agencies from across the state and nation have sent volunteers to Lee County to assist with necessities including monitoring supplies, search & rescue missions, and responding to 911 calls.

First Lady DeSantis also announced a Florida Division of Emergency Management website for Hurricane Ian First Responders, to help with mental health needs post hurricane. It is overseen by Florida Division of Emergency Management State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse. The website helps First Responders navigate resources and can be found here.

“I am proud of Florida’s First Responders and fortunate to have the opportunity to say thank you,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “They have been on the front lines since the moment Hurricane Ian impacted Southwest Florida. They have rescued, comforted and strengthened great Floridians devastated by the hurricane, and I commend them for their dedication and courage. We know the ripple effect of a disaster go beyond physical destruction to include grief and distress in a community, and those serving on the front lines of Florida’s communities have the full support from our state, including the mental health aspects of recovery.”

While distributing meals, First Lady DeSantis expressed gratitude for the brave men and women helping Floridians in need.  First Responders in Lee County will be conducting missions, based on the needs of the those impacted by the storm. Being away from home and responding to devastation is no small tasks, and these First Responders have gone beyond their call of duty.

Floridians wishing to volunteer can visit Volunteer Florida’s webpage to find opportunities to distribute meals, help with debris clean up and assist with other needs through Volunteer Connect.

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