UWF partners with Home Base Florida to expand military wellness support in Northwest Florida

The University of West Florida announced a new partnership with Home Base Florida, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program, bringing the organization's Warrior Health and Fitness program to UWF's Pensacola campus. UWF is only one of three universities across the nation to house this program that will expand access to community-based health, fitness and wellness support for veterans, service members and military families across Northwest Florida.

"Strengthening UWF's support for our military community has been a top priority of mine since becoming president," said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. "We are proud to partner with Home Base Florida to expand access to this important support for military and veterans in our community."

Warrior Health and Fitness is a free, 90-day wellness program designed to help participants improve their physical health and overall well-being through supervised exercise, nutrition education, stress management, coaching and community-based support. The program also serves as a gateway to additional Home Base services for those in need of support for invisible wounds, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and traumatic brain injury.

Warrior Health and Fitness participants will have access to a dedicated campus-based wellness space in Building 77 on UWF's Pensacola campus where they can build strength, improve overall well-being and connect with peers who understand the unique experiences of military life, with support from Home Base Florida. The space is adjacent to UWF's Office of Military Services, creating a natural connection point for veterans, service members and military families already supported through the University's military-focused programs and transition resources.

"The Office of Military Services and Home Base are a natural partnership," said Dr. Andrew Del Gaudio, executive director for UWF's Office of Military Services. "We share a deep commitment to supporting our military and veteran community as they prepare for whatever comes next. Success for the next mission starts with building resiliency while building relationships, and creating a community where people know they are supported."

Home Base Florida's collaboration with UWF marks an important milestone in their continued expansion across Northwest Florida and reflects the organization's commitment to working alongside trusted community partners to reach more veterans, service members and military families closer to home.

"With more than six military installations in Northwest Florida, this region is home to a significant military community," said Betsy Hart, Program Manager for Home Base Florida, a military spouse and Pensacola resident. "Home Base Florida's Pensacola presence is designed to reduce barriers to care, strengthen local referral pathways and create accessible opportunities for healing, wellness and connection."

To learn more about UWF's Office of Military Services, visit uwf.edu/MilitaryServices. To learn more about Home Base Florida, visit homebase.org/florida.