FHPCA Awards Grant to Strengthen Advance Care Planning in the Jewish Community


FHPCA Awards Grant to Strengthen Advance Care Planning in the Jewish Community

One-Year Grant Will Help Suncoast Hospice Expand Outreach Efforts

Tallahassee, FL –Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association announced the recipient of the first FHPCA research support grant, Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health in Pinellas County. This research project will increase engagement and participation in Advance Care Planning by members of the Jewish Community.

 “We are proud to award this research grant to Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health,” said Paul Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “Advance Care Planning is a critical tool to help Floridians receive the care they prefer when they need it. FHPCA is eager to invest in programs that not only serve a local population, but also help all Florida hospices to better meet the needs of their communities. This grant will expand Suncoast’s outreach efforts with the Jewish Community and support an important dialogue on the importance of planning ahead for medical care.”

 National statistics show members of the Jewish community have low participation in Advance Care Planning. Using community focus groups, Suncoast plans to identify barriers to Advance Care Planning and address the end of life needs and priorities of the second largest Jewish population in Florida.

 “Finding new, meaningful ways to engage with our communities is extremely important to Empath Health and our integrated network of care,” said Rafael Sciullo, President and CEO of Empath Health. “We aim to provide the best care and service possible and are very excited about receiving this grant to help us engage specifically with our Jewish community.”

The results of the year-long research project will be included in a final report made available by December 1, 2017.

FHPCA awards grants to support the research of member programs. The association encourages clinical or operational project submissions that will add to the body of knowledge for hospice and palliative care. To stay up to date on the next application cycle, please visit FHPCA’s website at http://www.floridahospices.org.

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Media Contact: Evelyn Hernandez, Marketing & PR Specialist

evelyn@nullfloridahospices.org  |  850-878-2632

 About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association:

Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.

 About Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health:

Suncoast Hospice is a not-for-profit organization committed to serving those living with chronic and terminal illnesses, nearing the end of life, or experiencing grief. Suncoast Hospice cares for patients and helps to guide their families as they provide care and make decisions.