December 14, 2018 Ms. Marisol Fitch Certificate of Need Unit Agency of Health Care Administration 2727 Mahan Drive, Building # 1 Tallahassee FL 32308 Dear Ms. Fitch: I am writing to encourage you in selecting the Visiting Nurse Association of Florida as recipient of the state certificate to provide hospice services to Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. As a multi-generational native of Martin County, I know well the tremendous priority both longtime locals and new arrivals place on dedicating one’s time, talent and treasure to the protection and improvement of our community. For more than four decades, VNA of Florida has done just that. Starting out more than 40 years ago in a tiny office with only two employees, VNA of Florida has since grown to employ more than 700 people, serve 19 counties and treat more than 75,000 patients. Along the way, VNA of Florida has creatively and consistently contributed to our community—from delivering badly needed baskets of groceries and gifts to economically hard-hit families during the holidays; to dedicating a 35-foot-tall Christmas Tree to the City of Stuart for its annual festivities. VNA of Florida also operates a mobile medical clinic that brings invaluable services directly to the indigent and provides them with lifesaving exams and treatments for free. VNA of Florida is as generous with its knowledge as it is with its resources. The nonprofit dispatches its experts into the community for free clinics that teach family members and caregivers ways in which to help their loved-ones cope with the early onsets of Alzheimer’s or recover from a stroke. VNA of Florida is also a leader in the medical field, winning numerous national awards for the quality of services it provides in home-healthcare and the satisfaction ratings it earns from its patients. It even owns and operates three assisted living communities, which are distinguished for the high quality of construction, living conditions and amenities, which ensure resident care, dignity and safety. MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2401 S.E. MONTEREY ROAD  STUART, FL 34996 Telephone: 772.288.5421 Fax: 772.288.5432 Email: shetherington@martin.fl.us DOUG SMITH Commissioner, District 1 STACEY HETHERINGTON Commissioner, District 2 HAROLD E. JENKINS II Commissioner, District 3 SARAH HEARD Commissioner, District 4 EDWARD V. CIAMPI Commissioner, District 5 TARYN KRYZDA, CPM County Administrator SARAH W. WOODS County Attorney TELEPHONE 772-288-5400 WEB ADDRESS http://www.martin.fl.us 1 of 2 Marisol Fitch December 14, 2018 Page 2. adm2019L80.docx For its vast and successful capabilities as a trusted medical provider to its extensive investment in the local community, VNA of Florida would make an excellent choice to provide hospice care to our region and continue its long track record of doing what it does best—serving the community. Thank you. Sincerely, Stacey Hetherington Commissioner – District 2 Martin County Board of County Commissioners SH/rz 2 of 2 adm2019L80.docx