Empath Health has earned two Awards of Excellence from the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA), recognizing the people and programs that help patients and families feel supported, connected and cared for through some of life's most meaningful moments.
The statewide honors recognize Deangelis Brandon, LCSW, of Suncoast Hospice and Empath Health's End-of-Life Doula Program, reflecting the organization's commitment to helping people live fully through every stage of serious illness and end-of-life care.
Deangelis Brandon Honored for Interdisciplinary Excellence
Deangelis "Dee" Brandon, a medical social worker with Suncoast Hospice, received the FHPCA Excellence in Interdisciplinary Practice Award, which recognizes professionals who exemplify collaboration, compassion and excellence as part of a hospice and palliative care team.
For nearly 30 years, Dee has supported patients and families throughout the Tampa Bay region, helping them navigate difficult decisions and providing comfort during some of life's most challenging moments.
"Families often tell us that Dee made them feel seen, heard and supported when they needed it most," said Andrea Garr, vice president of clinical services for Empath Health Suncoast Hospice. "She leads with empathy, builds trust wherever she goes and has spent nearly three decades helping patients and loved ones navigate the end-of-life journey with dignity and compassion. We couldn't be more proud to see her recognized by FHPCA."
One example of Dee's approach involved keeping a copy of When Someone You Love Is Dying in her car for the spouse of a hospice patient, ensuring the resource would be available whenever she felt ready. The simple gesture reflects the personalized support that has defined her career.
End-of-Life Doula Program Recognized for Innovation
Empath Health's End-of-Life Doula Program received the FHPCA Excellence in Program Innovation - Community Outreach Award for its unique approach to supporting patients and loved ones through specially trained volunteers.
Launched in 2021, the program provides companionship, active listening, legacy projects and bedside support, adding another layer of care for patients and families. More than 130 volunteers have completed doula training and now serve across Empath Health hospice affiliates.
The program's impact is often found in small but meaningful moments. When a hospice patient could no longer visit the beach after a hurricane disabled the elevator in their condominium building, an Empath doula brought trays of sand and water to the patient's home, recreating a cherished experience and restoring a measure of comfort and joy.
The award adds to previous recognition for the program. In 2025, Empath Health was named the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Community Partner Award from the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). Stacy Groff, Empath's vice president of care & connections, accepted both honors on behalf of the volunteers whose time, compassion and dedication help patients and families feel supported, connected and cared for.
Advancing Full Life Care
These awards reflect Empath Health's commitment to providing a connected care experience that supports the whole person and the whole family. Whether through the work of an experienced social worker or a specially trained volunteer, Empath Health remains focused on helping patients and families feel supported, connected and cared for when life matters most.
About Empath Health
Empath Health is a pioneering not-for-profit health network redefining healthcare through Full Life Care—supporting chronic, post-acute, end-of-life, and grief care needs across Florida. Its full spectrum of services includes home health, palliative care, all-inclusive elder care (PACE), HIV/STI prevention, grief support, and compassionate hospice care through seven programs: Empath Hospice, Hospice of Marion County, Suncoast Hospice, Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough, Tidewell Hospice and Empath Trustbridge Hospice (Hospice by the Sea and Hospice of Palm Beach County). With decades of trusted service and deep community roots, Empath Health reaches around 100,000 people each year and serves one in five hospice patients statewide.