Good Shepherd Hospice, a not-for-profit, community-based organization, was established by community leaders in 1979. The mission of the agency is to provide quality palliative care and relieve the suffering of those in our communities affected by life-limiting illnesses and end-of-life issues, maintaining the highest ethical standards, so all may live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Good Shepherd Hospice's care is available for anyone residing in Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties who has been diagnosed to be in the last 12 months of a life-limiting illness.

Good Shepherd Hospice services are based on medical need and are provided regardless of ability to pay, age, race, creed, sex, lifestyle or illness. In 2006, Good Shepherd Hospice delivered $1.8 million in charity care.

As one of the largest not-for-profit hospices in the nation, Good Shepherd Hospice continues to be a leader in program development. Programs to meet the specialized needs of the people in our community include the Caregiver Program, The Bethany Center (for grieving children), a Family Camp Program, as well as a Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility Program. Hundreds of patient/family care and administrative volunteers serve as a vital resource to the hospice program.

There are more than 4,100 hospice programs nationwide; most are Medicare certified. Good Shepherd Hospice is a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., is Medicare and Medicaid certified, and is licensed by the State of Florida Agency on Health Care Administration.

Good Shepherd Hospice received Joint Commission accreditation in March 1998.