Clearwater – Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, is proud to announce it has earned recertification through Empath Honors as a Level 5 Partner in the national We Honor Veterans Program. The recertification recognizes Empath Honors as an elite program for care and recognition of our nation’s military veterans and a mentor for hospices across the country that are seeking to establish or enhance their care of veterans.
Level 5 certification must be renewed annually. To achieve Level 5 certification, Suncoast Hospice documented its efforts in the following categories:
- Veteran-focused employee and volunteer training
- Specialized training for employees and volunteers on the unique challenges faced by Vietnam veterans
- Veteran volunteers available to serve fellow veterans
- Veteran recognition, or pinning, ceremonies
- Community educational presentations and events
“Suncoast Hospice is privileged to thank, serve and honor veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they made to preserve this country’s freedoms,” said Empath Health President and CEO Jonathan Fleece.
Empath Honors has served more than 13,899 veterans in Pinellas County since its inception in 2013. The purpose of the program is to respectfully celebrate veterans and their service to our country while providing care that recognizes the unique challenges that may exist in military families. Volunteer veterans conduct pinning ceremonies across Empath Health’s service area to thank veterans for their service.
“Through the efforts of our veterans program, we are able to not only honor those who have served – some who have never been thanked for their service – but to hear the important stories of our heroic veterans. These stories carry on the legacy of individuals who have fought for our freedoms, and we are so fortunate to have them shared with us,” Empath Health Vice President of Volunteer Engagement Stacy Groff said.
NHPCO created We Honor Veterans 11 years ago in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Empath Health’s other legacy hospice, Tidewell Hospice, also is a Level 5 Partner in the We Honor Veterans Program.
The Empath Honors Program depends on veteran volunteers to perform pinning ceremonies and offer educational programs for the Suncoast teams. For more information, visit EmpathHonors.org or call (727) 523-3440.
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About Suncoast Hospice
Suncoast Hospice, as a member of Empath Health, is a nonprofit provider of compassionate hospice care and bereavement support services in Pinellas County. We have been honored to be our community’s hospice for more than 47 years and will continue to lead with the highest quality care. We focus on bringing holistic comfort and dignity to patients through our medical and integrative treatment, emotional and spiritual care and palliative and support services. Families and caregivers also are comforted with education, support and healing. Suncoast Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission. Learn more at SuncoastHospice.org.
About Empath Health
Empath Health is the country’s largest not-for-profit health system delivering non-acute care and services through its skilled, medical and holistic programs to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses and those experiencing grief. The Empath Health integrated network of care provides expert medical, counseling and support services including hospice; home health; palliative care; grief services; all-inclusive elder care; HIV/STI prevention services and support; primary care; physician services; and full-service pharmacy and durable medical equipment (DME). Empath Health is honored to have approximately 25,000 people enrolled in our Full Life Care services in north central, west central and southwest Florida. We have nearly 90 combined years of experience serving individuals during some of their most vulnerable times. Our wide variety of community-based programs reflects our commitment to the preservation of our charitable mission.
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