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The presidents of both the American Health Care Association and the American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging praised their Florida members’ efforts at managing the crises left behind after three hurricanes swept through the state in less than a month. With hurricane season not yet over, the organizations also requested assistance – financial and otherwise – for members affected by the storms.

Larry Minnix, AAHSA president, said the Florida Association of Homes for the Aging staff have done an “unbelievable job.” Gifts in any amount can be sent by check to: Florida Association of Homes for the Aging – Disaster Relief, 1812 Riggins Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-4885. Donations for facilities in all four heavily affected states — Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana – will be collected. At least 70 facilities were significantly harmed, Minnix said.

AHCA President Hal Daub, meanwhile, commended the Florida Health Care Association and its member facilities for their persistence, and he asked other members to contribute to relief efforts. Checks can be made out to the Florida Health Care Association, P.O. Box 1459, Tallahassee, FL  32302. “Disaster relief” should be designated on the memo line of checks. The FHCA Web site (www.fhca.org) also will accept donations by credit card.

Both organizations lauded the “heroic” efforts of many individuals who stepped in to manage facilities, evacuate residents and employees, and hunt down generators and other supplies.

Thousands of people were still without power and many other basics Monday. Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan have been blamed for dozens of deaths, though the full range of their destruction may not be realized for weeks.