Empath Health has been named the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award by the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). The national award celebrates our work to expand access to compassionate doula care as part of our commitment to whole-person support at the end of life.
Founded in 2015, INELDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way people experience dying by training, supporting, and advocating for end-of-life doulas. Their mission is to help individuals and communities bring greater meaning, presence, and humanity to the dying process.
Empath launched its End-of-Life Doula (EOLD) program in 2021 as part of our Full Life Care model. Trained doulas walk alongside patients and families during some of life's most vulnerable moments, offering presence, comfort, and emotional support. With guidance from INELDA and thanks to dedicated volunteers, the program has expanded across our hospice affiliates in Florida.
"We are incredibly proud to be recognized by INELDA as a leader at the forefront of this important work since 2015," said Stacy Groff, Vice President of Care and Connections. "This award speaks to the passion and dedication of our entire team—especially our volunteers—who offer presence, peace, and purpose during the most sacred times in people's lives."
"Empath Health's dedication to the human experience and care along its continuum is an outstanding example of what it means to advance the end-of-life field," added Doug Simpson, Executive Director of INELDA.
This recognition is a testament to what's possible when we lead with compassion and create space for meaning at every stage of life.