Partnership aims to bring comfort and calm to individuals with autism during emergencies
FORT MYERS, Fla. August 29, 2025 — In a collaborative effort to better support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities during medical emergencies, Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition delivered hundreds of sensory kits to multiple locations. The kits will be deployed throughout Southwest Florida, covering EMS agencies and storm shelters in the following counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Sarasota and Okeechobee.
A total of 317 kits are being delivered, with 227 designated for ambulances and the remaining 90 for emergency shelters and Emergency Departments in our rural hospitals. The Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition, a program of the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, funded the kits for emergency shelters. The kits for ambulances were a partnership between the Coalition and Golisano Children’s Hospital. The kits are thoughtfully designed with support from the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition’s Pediatric task force, known as P.E.P.I. (Pediatric Emergency Preparedness Initiative), and the Golisano Children’s Hospital SeaStar Program to assist both pediatric and adult patients who may become overwhelmed during high-stress emergencies.
Each Sensory Assistance Kit includes:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Sunglasses
- A variety of fidget and tactile toys
- Visual and written communication tools
These items help first responders de-escalate potentially anxiety-inducing situations, offering a calm and supportive environment for patients with sensory processing challenges, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to meeting the unique needs of every patient in our community,” said Golisano Children’s Hospital Critical Care Transport Manager and the Pediatric Clinical Advisor for the Healthcare Coalition, Niki Shimko. “By equipping emergency personnel with these kits, we’re taking a meaningful step to ensure that all individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities, receive compassionate care during some of their most vulnerable moments, whether they’re heading to our hospital or seeking support in a county shelter.”
Funding for the project was provided by the Golisano Foundation and the Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition. The Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition is funded by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response through a contract with the Florida Department of Health.
This initiative not only empowers EMS teams with new tools to best serve the community but also reinforces the region’s commitment to inclusive, patient-centered care for all ages and abilities.
For additional information on the sensory assistance kits, please contact Coalition@hpcswf.com
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism, Golisano offers over thirty specialty pediatric services in various locations across SWFL. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135-beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org
About Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition
The Southwest Florida Healthcare Coalition is a collaborative partnership of healthcare and emergency support organizations dedicated to strengthening the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. As a program of the Health Planning Council of SWFL, the Coalition brings together diverse members, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health agencies, and emergency medical services (EMS), to improve patient outcomes and enhance community resilience during crises. The Coalition’s mission is made possible through funding from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) via a contract with the Florida Department of Health. For additional information, please visit swflcoalition.org or contact the Coalition directly at coalition@hpcswf.com.
