Agency responds to state's finding that additional hospice care is needed in Collier

(Fort Myers, Fla.) – Hope of Southwest Florida (Hope) President and CEO Samira Beckwith announced today that Hope has applied to the state to provide hospice services in Collier County.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) reviews each of the state's 27 hospice service areas twice each year to determine if hospice care needs are being adequately met. In their most recent review, AHCA determined that Collier is one of three areas in the state that is underserved. AHCA is now accepting applications from other agencies for competitive review to determine which applicant is best qualified to establish an additional hospice program in Collier County.

According to Beckwith, "We are applying to serve Collier because we are the most highly qualified, based on our history, experience and understanding of the community." She pointed out that ACHA found that Hope ranks among the most effective hospices in the state in meeting hospice care needs. Hope has served southwest Florida for 25 years.

Although at this time five other organizations have filed letters of intent to submit applications, Beckwith said Hope is in a unique position to serve. In November 2005, Hope opened Joanne's House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, a state-of-the-art, 24-bed hospice house in close proximity to Collier County residents. In the past three years, Hope has received four major national awards in recognition of its innovation, quality and leadership in health care. The awards were presented by the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and other prestigious institutions.

Samira Beckwith is a nationally recognized leader in hospice care. She has provided expert testimony before government bodies including the US House Judiciary Committee. She has served as National Director of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs in the United States. Beckwith was a Governor's appointee to the state's Long-Term Care Policy Council, providing direction to the state Office of Long-Term Care Policy and focused on providing the most cost-effective, community-based services for Florida's elderly. She has served as President and CEO of Hope for 15 years.

In Collier, Hope will be able to provide the same comprehensive services it now offers in Lee, Glades, Hendry, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties. Services are provided to everyone in need, of all ages, from all walks of life, regardless of their ability to pay.

"Our intention is to have a collaborative relationship with the health care community in Collier County, to ensure that everyone is getting the care they need." Beckwith said. "If our application is approved by the state, it will be our privilege to meet the unmet needs of the people of Collier County."