Suncoast Hospice awarded for community outreach to diverse populations

Karen Davis-Pritchett, M.Ed, director of Professional Relations and Community Outreach; Kelly Seigel, MBA, Community Outreach Specialist; Maria Pepe, Community Outreach Specialist; Paul Ledford, President & CEO FHPCO and LaShante Keys, M.S. Community Outreach Specialist

CLEARWATER –– Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, received the Excellence in Program Innovation for Community Outreach for its Traditions (Tradiciones) program from the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association at their annual conference May 25 in Orlando.

The award recognizes programs and services that demonstrate the power of creativity and ingenuity to impact the hospice practice and the community.

The Traditions program was established to increase access to hospice services to underserved communities in our area African American, Hispanic and Jewish communities. Nationally these communities use hospice services at lower levels than other communities.

The Community Partnership Specialists provided approximately 200 community events, presentations and educational opportunities breaking down hospice myths and misconceptions, and created advisory councils to increase their voices within the agency.

The hard work culminated in Suncoast Hospice serving above “expected” national expected rates in these communities.

About Suncoast Hospice

Suncoast Hospice is a nonprofit provider of compassionate hospice care and bereavement support services to Pinellas County patients and families nearing the final stages of life or grieving the deaths of loved ones for 40 years.

As an Empath Health member, we focus on bringing holistic comfort and dignity through our medical and integrative treatment, emotional and spiritual care and palliative and support services. Families and caregivers also are comforted with training, support and healing. Suncoast Hospice is accredited by The Joint Commission.

About Empath Health

Empath Health is a nonprofit integrated network of care that provides expert, life-changing health care to those with chronic and advanced illnesses. Empath Health includes hospice, home health and physician services, independent living assistance and day care for seniors, HIV services and advance care planning.