Veterans faithfully served our country and Empath Health, through the Empath Honors program, is dedicated to taking care of their needs. Together with community partners, we are bringing veterans’ care to the forefront of the community and breaking down misconceptions surrounding palliative and hospice care.
“We want to consistently offer veterans, their caregivers and the community the opportunity to learn about topics that impact this group and to network with each other,” says Trudy Beeler, veteran’s professional liaison for Empath Health. “We are here to advocate for veterans and ensure they are aware of the resources available.”
The newest resource offered by Empath Health is the Virtual Veterans Briefing. Held via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of the month, all veterans and those who care for them are invited to learn more about a variety of topics that impact veterans and their families, as well as resources for support.
The first Briefing is January 27 from noon to 1 p.m. and will discuss the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Representatives from the Bay Pines Healthcare System and Cemetery and the Regional Benefits Office will be discussing the services, benefits and assistance they provide and answering questions.
By creating regular opportunities for education, Empath Health is laying the groundwork for lasting connections that can help make daunting situations or tough conversations easier to navigate when the time comes.
Future topics include military caregiver support, Parkinson’s disease awareness, suicide prevention, PTSD, Agent Orange and applying for veterans benefits, and Alzheimer’s disease awareness and support. Interested individuals can register to receive a Zoom link at EmpathHealth.org/Briefing.
Veteran’s Coffee Connection
In addition to the briefings, Empath Health also offers a monthly Virtual Coffee Connection. This venue is a chance for veterans and those who serve veterans to come together and build a support network.
“Connection is something a lot veterans are looking for,” adds Beeler.
Not only is this a time for veterans to get to know their neighbors, it’s also a chance for them to have questions answered in a casual setting. Veterans and representatives of veteran-focused organizations are encouraged to join in the conversation.
The Virtual Veteran’s Coffee Connection is held on the third Friday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m.
Visit EmpathHealth.org/CoffeeConnection to join the Zoom meeting.
Continued Commitment
Suncoast Hospice is honored to be a Level Five partner of the We Honor Veterans program, an initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). This designation is the highest available, demonstrating our ongoing to commitment to veterans throughout all areas of Empath Health, under the Empath Honors initiative.
We are proud to serve the veteran community and will continue to provide veteran-centric training, forge new relationships, celebrate veterans throughout our community and connect them to valuable resources.
For more information about Empath Honors and services available to veterans, contact Trudy Beeler, veteran’s professional liaison, at (727) 643-4939.
