September 11, 2023 – CLEARWATER and WEST PALM BEACH — Empath Health and Trustbridge announced today their respective boards of directors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to begin the process of an affiliation between the two organizations.
Both Empath Health and Trustbridge are community-based not-for-profit organizations providing non-acute health care to individuals with chronic, advanced or terminal illness and those experiencing grief. Empath Health is the parent organization of legacy hospices Hospice of Marion County, Suncoast Hospice and Tidewell Hospice, in addition to Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough and Empath Hospice. Trustbridge is the parent organization of Hospice of Palm Beach County and Hospice by the Sea.
“We are so pleased to begin the discussions of a possible affiliation with Empath Health,” said David Fielding, President and CEO of Trustbridge. “Trustbridge sought to partner with an organization that shares the same dedicated focus on providing expert, compassionate hospice and palliative care to the communities we serve; alongside the ability to add new non-acute and senior care services to Trustbridge’s service areas. Our board and executive team have given significant consideration to the culture and reputation of the organization we want to join. We feel Empath Health is that organization.”
Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health said, “Our organizations are thrilled to share this news of a deliberative and thoughtful process around combining our legacy organizations to better serve our patients, families and their loved ones. We are extremely excited by the possibility of Trustbridge joining the expanding Empath Health high-performance network of care. Both Trustbridge and Empath are committed to redefining extraordinary full life care for all. I look forward to collaborating with Dave, Tarrah Lowry and the entire Trustbridge team as we chart an exciting and impactful future together.”
Leadership of both organizations will begin formal discussions and develop integration plans in the coming weeks.
The non-profit Trustbridge Hospice Foundation will remain a vital part of a new partnership, continuing to provide programs and services above and beyond traditional hospice care in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
“Trustbridge Hospice Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to further Trustbridge’s mission in Palm Beach and Broward Counties,” stated Deborah Johnson, President of Trustbridge Hospice Foundation. “Our primary objective aligns with Trustbridge’s core mission – ensuring equitable access to exceptional end-of-life care for all in our community. Trustbridge Hospice Foundation’s mission will remain unchanged and continue to dedicate its resources and support to transform this vision into a lasting legacy of compassionate care for generations to come.”
ABOUT EMPATH HEALTH
Empath Health is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health systems delivering non-acute care and services through its skilled, medical and holistic programs to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses and those experiencing grief. The Empath Health integrated network of care provides expert medical, counseling and support services including hospice; home health; palliative care; grief services; all-inclusive elder care; HIV/STI prevention services and support; primary care; physician services; and full-service pharmacy and durable medical equipment (DME). Empath Health is honored to have approximately 26,000 people enrolled in our Full Life Care services in north central, west central and southwest Florida. We have nearly 130 combined years of experience serving individuals during some of their most vulnerable times. Our wide variety of community-based programs reflects our commitment to the preservation of our charitable mission.
ABOUT TRUSTBRIDGE
Trustbridge offers a wide range of services to families facing life-limiting illnesses. We provide comprehensive care that addresses the needs of patients at any stage of their illness with services including palliative care, hospice care, grief support services, pharmacy and durable medical equipment. With over 40 years of experience, our expert staff has cared for more than 200,000 patients nearing the end of life. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to serving all individuals who want and qualify for our services, regardless of their ability to pay. At Trustbridge, we understand the importance of bringing comfort and dignity to those with terminal illnesses, and we strive to create an environment where individuals can find peace and solace during this challenging time. If you or your loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, Trustbridge is here to provide compassionate support every step of the way.
