The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department at Empath Health employs a team of community partnership specialists to ensure all community members understand the services available to them.
By Karen Davis-Pritchett M.Ed., Empath Health Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
PINELLAS COUNTY — Part of Empath Health’s mission is to remove barriers experienced by communities accessing our services. We recognize many community members who identify as African American, Hispanic and the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately impacted by health inequity. Additionally, we understand veterans have unique needs and challenges when they face chronic or advanced illnesses or are grieving.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department employs a team of community partnership specialists to ensure all community members understand the services available to them. These specialists facilitate support groups to encourage community members to learn more about a topic important to them and connect with others who have similar experiences.
“We are fortunate to have so many resources for residents of Pinellas County,” said Community Partnership Specialist Keosha Simmons. “We enjoy being a part of this network, facilitating many of the support groups happening within Empath Health. It is imperative to have a variety of options for our communities, whether it be location, time or service provided. Providing access to so many resources is vital for the advancement of all communities. We truly stand behind the mission of providing Full Life Care for all.”
The following is a list of Empath Health support groups available in Pinellas County.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Group
Third Wednesday of the month
6 p.m.
Enoch Davis Center
1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Facilitators: Keosha Simmons, Dr. Natasha Rubie
To register: Call (800) 272-3900
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Second Tuesday of the month
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Largo Public Library, Jenkins Room C
120 Central Park Drive, Largo
Facilitators: Maria Pepe, Kelly Siegel
To register: Contact Maria at (727) 479-7071 or MariaPepe@EmpathHealth.org or Kelly at (727) 735-8743 or KellySiegel@EmpathHealth.org
Alzheimer’s Awareness Group
Third Thursday of the month
6:30 p.m.
Yankee Traveler RV Park, Multipurpose Room
8500 Ulmerton Road, Largo
Facilitator: Maria Pepe
To register: Contact Maria at (727) 479-7071 or MariaPepe@EmpathHealth.org
Jewish Caregiver Support Group
First Thursday of the month
10-11:30 a.m.
Zoom webinar
Facilitators: Kelly Siegel, Sandi Sunter, LMHC
To register: Contact Kelly at (727) 735-8743 or KellySiegel@EmpathHealth.org for Zoom link
Savvy Caregiver
(For caregivers of Alzheimers or dementia patients 60 and older)
Each Wednesday through August 16
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Auer Szabo Empath Adult Day Center
340 49th St. S., St. Petersburg
Facilitator: Trudy Beeler
To register: Contact Terri Toner at (727) 570-9696, ext. 160
Veterans Coffee Connections
All veterans
First Thursday of the month
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sunshine Center
330 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg
All veterans
First Friday of the month
10-11:00 a.m.
Gulfport Senior Center
5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport
LGBTQ+ veterans
Second Thursday of the month
10-11 a.m.
Empath Health
3050 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Women veterans
Second Friday of the month
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Empath Health, The Garden House Clearwater
5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater
Women veterans
First Tuesday of the month
10-11 a.m.
EmpowHERment Community Service Center
1150 County Road 1, Palm Harbor
Virtual Coffee Connection
Third Friday of the month
9-10:00 a.m.
Zoom: Visit EmpathHealth.org/CoffeeConnection for link
To register for in-person Veterans Coffee Connections, contact Trudy Beeler at TrudyBeeler@EmpathHealth.org or (727) 643-4939.
To find out more about Empath Health support groups, contact Keosha Simmons at (727) 512-9599 or KeoshaSimmons@EmpathHealth.org or visit EmpathHealth.org.
