Media Contacts:

Alina Palenzuela

Marketing Director

Phone: (305) 716-0764

Email: apalenzuela@unitedhomecare.com

Amber Rodriguez

Marketing & Media Specialist

Phone: (305) 215-4678

Email: amber@unitedhomecare.com

MIAMI, FL, MARCH 7, 2022 - United HomeCare (UHC) honored Home Health Aides and other frontline essential employees on Saturday, March 5^th during a Celebration Picnic at Tropical Park. Over 170 individuals attended, including employees, their families, and UHC board members. Attendees enjoyed fun games, face painting, bounce houses, a petting zoo, dominoes, and pony rides.

Employees also received a special appreciation gift thanks to a $6,098 “Help the Helpers Miami-Dade” grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries, The Children’s Trust, The Coral Gables Community Foundation, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Health Foundation of South Florida, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation, The Key Biscayne Community Foundation, The Miami Foundation, and United Way Miami.

“For nearly half a century, since its founding by United Way of Miami, United HomeCare’s service to older adults has been at the forefront of our non-profit mission. Our employees embody our mission of caring as we provide services to the most underserved communities in Miami-Dade County,” said Carlos L. Martinez, President and CEO of United HomeCare. “This appreciation celebration brought our entire UHC family together to reflect on the dedication and significant accomplishments of our frontline essential workers. United HomeCare is a solid organization that has empathy and cares about each employee, their family, and loved ones. We are one big family. We have to take care of our employees; they’re the driving force in our business. The real heroes of UHC are the Home Health Aides who are in the field every day taking care of the elderly and disabled.”

Florida is currently experiencing a shortage of workers in the health care industry. By 2025, the workforce gap is projected to be more than 445,000.

Home Health Aides were a lifeline for families during COVID-19 and provided much needed services to ensure older adults receive the care they need. Without home care support, many older adults will be institutionalized—an option that is more expensive for families and Florida taxpayers.

"I have been a United HomeCare HHA employee for 16 years and I am very happy with the Agency. It’s a good Agency and I always have the work hours that I need. I send many blessings to the Management Team at United HomeCare and my clients are very happy with the services we provide.," said Esther Pinoco, United HomeCare Home Health Aide.

On February 22, Carlos L. Martinez and Roger Lopez, UHC Chief Operating Officer, were interviewed for On Point with Rachel Tourgeman to discuss that fact that Home Health Aides have not been designated as both frontline and essential workers for compensatory benefits. Home Health Aides throughout the state have been called to action during the pandemic, risking exposure to COVID-19 and taking care of the frail elderly who primarily live in isolation. They have gone above and beyond to care for our community every day. Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNhvczVUdD8

About United HomeCare

United HomeCare^® is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization with a history of nearly half a century helping families care for their aging relatives and transforming the landscape of home and community services by promoting independence and quality of life for older adults. United HomeCare is a trusted industry leader known for pioneering advances in home care programs, disease management services, and educational support programs for seniors. United HomeCare is a designated Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Lead Agency, designated Alzheimer's Disease Initiative service provider, Managed Long Term Care home care services provider, and United Way Impact Partner that holds a market leadership position in Miami-Dade County since 1973. To learn more about United HomeCare, please visit unitedhomecare.com or call (305) 716-0710.

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