About Empath Health

One Connected Thread of Care

Helping people navigate aging, illness, caregiving, grief and end-of-life through Full Life Care.

Medical team in scrubs and lab coats holding puzzle pieces together in a circle symbolizing teamwork.
Black and white photo of a small house with a front porch and decorative railings

The first Suncoast Hospice Service Center, 1977

Meeting Changing Needs

Empath Health began with a simple belief. No one should have to navigate life's journey alone. For nearly five decades, our legacy organizations have cared for individuals and families, growing from hospice care into support for aging, illness, caregiving and grief.

"Our colleagues have a gift for connecting with those we serve, for entering into another person's experience and bringing ease, care and of course, empathy."

Jonathan D. Fleece, President and CEO

Our History at a Glance

The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast (now Suncoast Hospice), Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County are founded

Tidewell Hospice is founded

Hospice of Marion County is founded

Empath Health is created as the parent organization of Suncoast Hospice, expanding beyond hospice

Empath Health and Stratum Health System, the parent organization of Tidewell Hospice, combine

Hospice of Marion County affiliates with Empath Health

Trustbridge, formed from Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County, joins Empath Health

The network adopts a single hospice model

Group of young people in white shirts and gloves watering a tree together in a park on a sunny day

Trusted Local Care

Our seven hospice programs across Florida are rooted in the communities they serve. Together, they care for one in five hospice patients in the state.

Our hospice teams

  • Empath Hospice: Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties
  • Hospice of Marion County: Marion County
  • Suncoast Hospice: Pinellas County
  • Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough: Hillsborough County
  • Tidewell Hospice: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties
  • Hospice by the Sea, part of Trustbridge
  • Hospice of Palm Beach County, part of Trustbridge
Adult hand gently holding a newborn baby's tiny hand in soft natural light

When someone you love is ill, time is the first thing to slip away.

It's easy to become more caregiver than spouse, child, or friend. Appointments, medications, and difficult decisions can quickly take over daily life.

Too often, care feels fragmented, with families navigating multiple providers and starting over at every transition.

Empath Health exists to change that. We provide one connected thread of clinical, social, emotional, and spiritual support that helps people navigate changing needs with greater clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Grandmother and granddaughter smiling and holding hands while sitting on a couch at home sharing a joyful moment

What is Full Life Care

Life rarely fits neatly into categories. A person may need help managing an illness, supporting a loved one, planning for the future or coping with grief, sometimes all at the same time.

Full Life Care brings together the support people need through aging, illness, caregiving, grief and end-of-life care, helping them feel more confident and less alone along the way.

Smiling diverse group of four adults warmly embracing indoors, showing friendship and happiness in a cozy home setting.

Designed Around People

Healthcare was designed around services. Full Life Care was designed around people. With empathy at the core, it is our promise of a personalized, connected and extraordinary care experience. Through home health, hospice and other home-based support, we help individuals and their families live fully when life's moments matter most, in the place they call home. We remain a steady partner through every stage of the journey.

What We Stand For

Mission 

Unified in empathy, we serve our communities through extraordinary Full Life Care for all.

Vision

Redefine healthcare as Full Life Care.

Our Values

Eternally Hopeful

Renewed empowerment through choice, ongoing encouragement through positivity.

Profoundly Helpful

Unwavering support to all people, through every moment possible.

Lovingly Truthful

Genuine, open and honest communication, essential to building understanding and trust.

Confidently Skillful

A level of medical expertise that is unrivaled.

Courageously Impactful

Striving to make a difference in every life we touch.

Where We Are

Empath Health serves 20 counties across North Central, West Central, Southwest and Southeast Florida.