Clearwater hospice service provider expands Central Florida presence

Empath Health, a nonprofit health care organization that specializes in home health care, palliative care and hospice services, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hospice of Marion County that will affiliate the latter organization with Empath Health.

Based in Clearwater, Empath Health’s network also includes Tidewell Hospice, Suncoast Hospice and Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough, and this year it was awarded the right to operate hospice services in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties.

“Much thought went into the decision to partner with another organization, and Empath was the natural choice,” Hospice of Marion County CEO Rick Bourne states in a news release. “We share values, dedication to the community and an unwavering commitment to our colleagues.”

Founded in 1983, Hospice of Marion County also operates Carewell Supportive Care, a palliative care provider for pain and symptom management, as well as durable medical equipment supplier Accent Medical, which serves hospice patients and families and sells directly to the public. It also owns four thrift stores whose revenues support the organization.

“Hospice of Marion County and Empath, with their legacy not-for-profit hospice and community health organizations, share the spirit of mission and are dedicated to the highest quality of care and innovation,” Empath Health CEO Rafael Sciullo states in the release.