Serving Those Who Served Us
Few people know service and sacrifice quite like a veteran. And as resolutely as they have taken care of us, Empath Health, through our Veterans program, believes in taking care of them.
We also recognize that veterans may have unique medical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. Our interdisciplinary teams works to understand each veteran’s personal goals. Through a variety of veterans assistance services, we can then help him or her achieve them. Families of veterans also receive support as well as connections to beneficial resources. Because they too have sacrificed.
Empath and Tidewell Honors services include trained veteran volunteers, military service recognition ceremonies, We Honor Veterans program, Veterans History Project and Honor Flight®.
Veterans Serving Veterans
Trained veteran volunteers bring their military experiences to their hospice work. Through a shared common language and cultural bond, veteran volunteers provide a great deal of support to veteran patients and their families.
Learn more about Empath Honors volunteer opportunities.
Veterans History Project
The Veterans History Project collects first-hand accounts of combat veterans’ military experience for future generations. Specially trained Suncoast Hospice volunteers interview our veterans to create a video or audio recording, which is then submitted and archived in the Library of Congress. Participants receive a copy of their interview, certificate of participation and record of where their stories are archived.
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Click Here to Submit Your Story
We Honor Veterans Program
Empath Health’s hospice programs are proud partners of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program. Suncoast Hospice, Tidewell Hospice and Hospice of Marion County are Level Five Partners, the highest designation achievable. Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough is a Level Two Partner and is working towards its third level and Empath Hospice, our newest hospice program, is a Level One Partner. We Honor Veterans is a National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) initiative in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We are committed to WHV’s mission of respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment of the veterans we serve. Working with the VA, veteran service organizations and other community partners, we are able to provide many specialized programs and services that honor and support veterans.
Honor Flight
The Honor Flight® Network transports American war-era veterans to their memorials in Washington, D.C. free of charge. Top priority is given to veterans in hospice care and/or of the World War II period. In collaboration with the Honor Flight West Central Florida and Southeast Florida Honor Flight, we assist with applications and coordination of flights for veterans in our care.
Veterans Coffee Connection
All veterans and those who serve them are invited to connect virtually or in-person over a cup of coffee. Monthly discussions include community resources, guidance and support. Learn more how you can join.
Veterans Briefing
Join fellow veterans and supporters for monthly Zoom discussions on various topics that matter to veterans. Prior conversations are available to view. Learn more on how you can join.