FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- The WeCare program run by United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades had more than 2,067 pro bono medical encounters with patients in need during 2025.

That was over $9.2 million in free care for those in need in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties by physicians and medical practices.

WeCare connects qualifying individuals with specialty medical services free of charge through a large network of volunteer providers and health care facilities. Nearly 300 individual providers and more than 20 organizations partner with United Way through the WeCare program.

An area of great need that was filled in 2025 was Dermatology, with care provided by Associates in Dermatology.

In 2025, over 303 patients aged 22-87 were treated by WeCare providers. The top five individual providers for 2025 were Kristina Mirabeau – Beale, MD; Alan Brown, MD; Scott Larson, MD; Ellen Bellairs, MD and James Bynum, MD. The top five corporate partners were Lee Health, Advocate Radiation Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists, GenesisCare and Precision Healthcare Specialists.

More than 50 medical offices refer patients to the program with the top three being Lee Health, Family Health Centers, and Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.

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WeCare is contracted through the Florida Department of Health's Volunteer Health Care Provider Program (VHCPP). To participate in the program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be referred by a licensed medical provider, hospital or specialist.
• Have a severe medical condition that a primary care provider cannot manage.
• Qualify as 300% under the federal poverty limits guidelines.
• Have no health insurance.
• Be a Lee, Hendry or Glades County resident.

For more information about the WeCare program and United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, please visit UnitedWayLee.org/WeCare.

About United Way

In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them to work together focusing on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way's mission as a volunteer-driven organization is dedication to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and over $243 million has been raised and distributed since that time. For more information, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee.org.