Lee Health’s Gulf Coast Medical Center offers comprehensive trauma care to the communities of Southwest Florida. Lee Health’s comprehensive trauma services provide 24/7 critical care services from trauma-trained professionals. Once patients are stabilized; outreach services provide additional support and improve outcomes for trauma patients and their caregivers. Patient and caregiver support provided by Trauma Services fosters emotional health and wellness. These services include individual counseling, various support groups, peer mentors and ambassadors. Lee Health’s Trauma Center also provides resources to the community through Injury Prevention and Education. Programs include Falls Prevention (Step Smart), High Risk Driver, Sports Injury Prevention and Stop the Bleed. Lee Health’s wrap around services provide exceptional care to the community from injury prevention to recovery.
TSN Coordinator
Erika Taylor, MSW
Address
13685 Doctor’s Way Fort Myers, Suite 140
Fort Myers, Florida, 33912
Post Discharge Clinical Services
Trauma Support Services provides access to resources, support, and programs that are specifically designed to assist patients and families as they navigate their recovery.
Peer Mentors
Mentors have the unique ability to understand what another survivor may have been through. They provide encouragement, guidance, and sometimes advice to other survivors.
What’s Next Workshop
Join us for a workshop designed to support both individuals and their caregivers who have experienced trauma. This event aims to facilitate discussions on trauma-related support services and explore various community resources available to help you on your journey. Please email coordinator here for dates.
Next Steps Online
The NextSteps program is a free, 6-week self-management course that emphasizes the vital role you play in your own recovery. Grounded in the principles of self-management, the program incorporates proven techniques to boost your confidence and sense of empowerment. NextSteps equips you with the skills needed to take an active role in managing both your health and your life. Learn more here
Support Groups
Brain Injury Recovery Warriors of SWFL
Join us for a supportive gathering designed for young adults navigating life after a brain injury. We understand the challenges and changes that come with recovery, and our group offers comfort, understanding, and community.
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Where: Hybrid format (in-person and virtual options available)
This is a safe space to share experiences and connect with others in similar situations as you navigate recovery and young adulthood in SWFL.
Please register here.
TBI Survivors Empowerment Group
Join us for a virtual gathering on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Connect with others who understand your journey and find support in a compassionate environment.
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Where: Online via WebEx. (Please email the TSN coordinator for more information)
Whether you’re seeking understanding or simply a space to share, you are not alone. We look forward to welcoming you.
Please register here.
Trauma Survivors
Join us for a comforting and understanding space for those navigating life after a traumatic injury. We recognize that adjusting can be challenging, and our group offers a safe environment to share your experiences and find fellowship with others.
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Where: Virtual meeting via WebEx. (Please email the TSN coordinator for more information)
Come connect with others who understand your journey. We look forward to supporting you!
Please register here.
Caregivers Support
Join us for a supportive virtual space specifically for caregivers of individuals who have experienced a traumatic accident. Share your experiences, find comfort, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges you face.
When: Third Wednesday of the month
Where: Virtual meeting via WebEx
We look forward to fostering a community of understanding and support. For more information, please email TSN coordinator.
Please register here.
HEAL Empowerment Group for Survivors of Violence
Join our hybrid support group to connect with fellow survivors. Share your experiences, discuss the impact of violence, learn trauma processing techniques, explore healthy coping strategies, and work towards healing together.
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Where: Hybrid format (in-person and virtual options available)
We look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing. For more information, please email the TSN coordinator.
Please register here.
Community Events
Touch a Truck
The community came together for meaningful conversations with Trauma Center providers and staff, alongside Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Fire Department. A special highlight was the support from “Team First Responders,” who showcased their NASCAR, Offshore Racing Speedboat, and Truck, demonstrating their commitment to Lee Health and coalition partners. And to top it all off, Batman made a surprise appearance! Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this impactful event!
Coffee Talk with a Trauma Doc
To mark the 30th anniversary and in recognition of Trauma Awareness Month in May, Lee Health hosted a community event, bringing people together with Gulf Coast Trauma Surgeons for an open discussion over coffee.
Dedication for Trauma Survivors, Families, Mentors and Ambassadors
Gulf Coast Medical Center created a tranquil space dedicated to individuals impacted by trauma, as well as those who tirelessly provide care and support. The space features a beautiful hummingbird tree and a commemorative bench. Lee Health’s Spiritual Services Department held a blessing ceremony, with staff, volunteers, and survivors in attendance.
Community Resources
Center for Independent Living
https://www.cilgulfcoastflorida.org/ The Center strives to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, regardless of age, in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Henry counties.
Disability Rights Florida
https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/ Disability Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.
Brain Injury Florida
https://www.braininjuryfl.org/ Brain Injury Florida’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents of the state of Florida who have sustained an acquired brain injury by promoting effective awareness, education, outreach, treatment, prevention, advocacy, and support.
Amputee Coalition
https://www.amputee-coalition.org/
Amputee Coalition Virtual Support Groups
https://www.amputee-coalition.org/support-groups-peer-support/virtual-support-group-meetings/ Registration is required in advance of attending one of these recurring virtual meetings. All four recurring virtual support group meetings will follow a similar agenda, so please register for the time zone that best suits your life and availability. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 888-267-5669 ext. 8124.
Brain Injury Bible Study
https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study/ Brain Injury Bible Study is a free online group led by Cristabelle Braden for faith-based connection in the brain injury community. We currently meet one Saturday a month on zoom.
Spinal Cord Resource Guide
Brain Injury Resource Guide
BrainLine
https://www.brainline.org/ All about brain injury and PTSD
United Way
https://unitedwaylee.org/need-help/ United Way 211 is a free 24-hour non-emergency line that helps people navigate their way through human and social service agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
https://resources.hud.gov/ Housing Support
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury
https://www.spinalinjury101.org/
Social Security Administration
Social Security Disability Resource Center
Adaptive Sports Offered in Lee County
https://www.leegov.com/parks/programs/special-needs/adaptive-sports
Paralyzed Veterans of America Florida Chapter
The Center for Progress and Excellence Inc.
https://progressandexcellence.com/ The Mobile Crisis Hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – (844) 395-4432 CPE offers mental heath services regardless of insurance status.
988 Lifeline Chat and Text
https://988lifeline.org/chat/ 988 Lifeline Chat and Text connects you with caring crisis counselors for emotional support.
Crisis Text Line
https://www.crisistextline.org/ Free 24/7 crisis support.
Veterans Crisis Line
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Program
https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/caregiving/community-care-for-the-elderly-cce-program/ Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
Senior Friendship Center
https://friendshipcenters.org/ Agency focused on health, wellness, social engagement, caregiving and support in aging.
North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium
https://nascic.org/membership/ NASCIC is a free membership to help those suffering from an SCI stay up to date on new products, clinical trials, and advocacy for change.
Brooks Rehab
Shepard Center
https://www.shepherd.org/ Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.
Clinics Can Help
clinicscanhelp.org Located in Palm Beach, Florida; Clinics Can Help connects people to safe, low-cost medical equipment in a supportive circle of care. Our model of organized recycling advances health equity by ensuring every child and adult can access the supplies they need for healthy recovery, protection from injury, and the mobility, independence and dignity to sustain a quality level of life.
Hurricane Resources
Special Needs Registry
Florida Hurricane Shelters
Please visit this website for more information.
Know your Evacuation Zone
Hurricane evacuation zones are no longer referenced by storm category, but are now named by hurricane surge evacuation zones: A, B, C, D and E.
- Find My Evacuation Zone (click on the magnifying glass to enter your address)
- Make your written Emergency Plan.
Generator Safety
Please visit this website for safety tips.
State Assistance Information Line
The SAIL hotline is: 1-800-342-3557
The SAIL hotline is only operational during an emergency event; at all other times, a recorded message with general information about the hotline is available