Florida Department of Health Salutes Service Men and Women on Veterans Day

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

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health honors veterans, active duty service members and their families this Veterans Day by recognizing the 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes and highlighting the department’s veterans support services. Over 1.5 million veterans call Florida home and our continued goal is to help make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

“I am proud to recognize the honorable service of our veterans, active duty military and their families this Veterans Day,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip. “The department is grateful for your service and committed to supporting Florida’s veterans.”

The 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes publication highlights health care practitioners who have served in the United States Armed Forces and the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. This year, we recognize Donald “Don” Erbes, D.M.D.; Diane Fletcher, R.N.; Jaime Luis Torres II, M.D.; Charles D. Llano, D.D.S.; and Francisco M. Granda, D.M.D., M.S., M.D.

The department also offers several licensure support services to qualified military families. The Veterans Application for Licensure Online Response (VALOR) program expedites licensing for military veterans who apply six months before or after honorable discharge from active duty, as well as fee waiver eligibility for military veterans and their spouses for health care practitioner licenses up to 60 months after honorable discharge. The department also offers additional armed forces licensure support including an opportunity to receive a temporary certificate to practice in areas of critical need, renewal exemptions and professional examination fee reimbursements.

To learn more the 2017 Florida Veteran Health Heroes and for more information about the department’s military licensing support services, please visit the Armed Services Licensing page at www.flhealthsource.gov/valor.

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.

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