The non-profit organization that provides compassionate hospice and palliative care to approximately 2,000 patients daily is expanding to provide critically needed services that address aging, complex medical conditions and end-of-life issues.

Chapters Health System, formerly HPC Healthcare, is now strategically structured as a healthcare system. They have recently added innovative senior independence programs, opened an Enrollment Center and are launching a new company brand, announced Kathy Fernandez, Chapters Health System president and CEO.

"Chapters Health System now represents a welcome solution to fragmented healthcare that can overwhelm patients and families in their greatest time of need," said Fernandez. "We have the capacity and expertise to offer a broader continuum of care to help more people when they need us most. Our seamless and holistic approach to care is transformational in healthcare. We are confident that our system meets the needs of patients and families today and in the future."

Chapters Health is the parent organization of LifePath Hospice and Good Shepherd Hospice, serving Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties; and Chapters Health Palliative Care, which is offered at area nursing homes and hospitals. Chapters Health also includes pharmacy and professional staffing services to more efficiently care for its patients and families. By adding its new senior independence programs, the company will offer a wider range of choices to help address the needs of frail elderly and those with complicated medical conditions.

Chapters Health has been authorized to become a provider of Nursing Home Diversion and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in all four counties. Nursing Home Diversion and PACE provide case-and care-management services that enable frail elderly individuals to remain independent and comfortable at home. Chapters Health is completing the application processes and anticipates enrolling Nursing Home Diversion participants in all four counties in the summer of 2011, PACE participants in Hillsborough County in September 2011 and PACE participants in Polk County in the summer of 2012.

To support its existing and expanding services, Chapters Health recently opened its state-of-the-art Enrollment Center in Tampa, employing skilled advisors to better serve the needs of the community, guiding callers and referral sources to the program that best suits their circumstances.

The company partnered with nationally recognized Walker Brands to develop a new brand image. Fernandez explains that the new name, Chapters Health System, was selected because "chapters" conveys important stages of life, a progression of services, groups of people working together and an educational aspect.

"We're committed to guiding and educating patients and families – because the earlier they learn about the choices available, the more services and support they can access during this important chapter of life," Fernandez explained.

The new Chapters Health website features an overview of the various services and an online library of educational resources and articles.