VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® is no stranger to the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association (SFHHA) annual healthcare summit. In fact, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care has been a major sponsor of the event since its inception in 2005.
VITAS hospice and palliative care experts also have served as speakers and panelists at the summit, offering perspective on end-of-life issues and the company’s role as a healthcare leader in South Florida, where VITAS began as a pioneer in the hospice movement more than 30 years ago.
“In 1978 in Miami, VITAS cared for its first patient,” says Dian Backoff, VITAS vice president of hospice operations. “Today, our three South Florida programs (serving Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties) partner with local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities, working side by side to provide the full continuum of care to patients and their families.”
VITAS operates 10 inpatient hospice units in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in South Florida and provides palliative care consulting, professional and community education and other services to the local healthcare community.
"VITAS is an important multi-year sponsor of the Summit because they provide care at the end of life,” says Linda S. Quick, SFHHA president. “Their participation assures our attendees the broadest possible scope of expertise on our panels and encourages others in the long-term care industry to participate in the event. VITAS plays a leadership role in all aspects of the healthcare industry and the larger business community here in South Florida. They are incredibly generous corporate citizens who really do make a meaningful difference.”
