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Hernando Today

HPH Hospice is the new name

Expanding its services to Citrus County was main reason for the change, agency says

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: June 16, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - Soon after it broadened its boundaries, executives with the local hospice agency realized a name change was in order.

The not-for-profit program formerly known as Paso-Hernando Hospice expanded to Citrus County in 2005. The name has felt like a misnomer ever since.

In conjunction with its 25th anniversary, the agency has officially changed its name to HPH Hospice.

"The old name didn't work well in any county outside of Pasco and Hernando," said Robin Kocher, a spokeswoman with HPH.

The health care community already knew the hospice center by its initials. HPH already was part of the local medical vernacular, said Kocher.

Changing the name to HPH seemed the most logical choice. The initials are no longer an acronym. HPH Hospice now is the tried and true name.

"Hopefully in a few years, people will just think of the initials," Kocher said.

HPH was founded by a "handful of volunteers" in 1984, according to a media release. Its first location was in what used to be known as the Gibraltar Bank building off U.S. 19 in Hudson.

In March, HPH unveiled a new residency center along State Road 50, east of Weeki Wachee State Park.

HPH, which has yet to change its name on its Web site, is a nonprofit, community-based healthcare agency that provides medical care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and offers support to their family members.

It serves more than 900 patients per day, according to the site.

HPH has seven team offices, four hospice houses, five care centers, a pharmacy, a home-health affiliate and two thrift stores.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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