Big Bend Hospice

09/08/2025

At Big Bend Hospice, community connection is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to welcome new board members whose vision, leadership, and hometown values will help carry our mission forward.

Their dedication to the Big Bend and their diverse perspectives will not only strengthen our organization but also ensure that we remain deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

Ron Cave, Undersheriff at the Leon County Sheriff's Office, oversees nearly 800 personnel and serves as a trusted leader across our region. With his background in law enforcement, public safety, and executive leadership, Ron brings a strong voice for service and community trust.

James McFaddin, Senior Managing Partner at The Southern Group, brings expertise in health care policy and government relations that will guide Big Bend Hospice through important conversations about care access.

Jana McConnaughhay, Esq., a Board-Certified Elder Law attorney, has spent her career advocating for seniors and families. Her knowledge of elder law and nonprofit leadership is an incredible asset to our hometown hospice.

Jay Reeve, Ph.D., President & CEO of Apalachee Center, has led growth and innovation in behavioral health care across the Big Bend, ensuring mental health services are integrated and accessible to those in need.

John Trombetta, Senior Client Development Specialist at Terracon, brings both professional expertise and personal belief in the power of hospice to make families more resilient during life’s hardest times.

Allyson Foster, after 23 years in banking, 10 years and counting in real estate with a special designation to help the senior population, along with strong ties to local organizations, she is a true advocate for our community.

Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective, extensive experience, and strong ties to our community. Their guidance and dedication will help ensure that families across the Big Bend continue to receive care grounded in compassion, dignity, and the trusted support of a hospice that truly calls this region home.

09/08/2025

Big Bend Hospice is thrilled to welcome an outstanding group of new board members whose leadership and community connections will deepen our roots as your Hometown Hospice.

Each of these individuals brings a local perspective, professional expertise, and a heartfelt commitment to serving others. Together, their voices will help guide our mission and ensure that patients and families continue to receive the highest quality of care close to home.

Jing Wang, Ph.D., Dean of the Florida State University College of Nursing, is a nationally recognized voice in digital health and nursing workforce development. Dr. Wang brings her passion for innovation, equity, and compassionate care right here to Tallahassee.

Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Southeast, is a champion for helping people age with dignity and grace while driving important conversations on quality care, housing, and workforce issues across Florida.

Jimmy Fasig, Esq., Managing Partner at Fasig Brooks, shares his belief that life’s hardest moments can spark great joy, and his commitment to service reflects his dedication to lifting up families in our community.

Rudy Ferguson, Senior Pastor of New Birth Tabernacle of Praise and Executive Director of The Frontline Project, is a tireless advocate for youth and families, bringing compassion and grassroots leadership to the board.

Jennifer “Ally” Fields, APRN, DNP, a nurse practitioner and FSU alum, is passionate about emergency medicine and volunteers with Honor Flight Tallahassee, ensuring veterans are honored for their service.

Greg Jaap, Executive Vice President at Brown & Brown of Northwest Florida, adds deep expertise in business leadership and a commitment to strengthening the hometown services that families rely on.

We are grateful to our new board members for their dedication to Big Bend Hospice. Their vision and leadership will help ensure we continue to be a trusted source of compassionate, dignified care for patients and families across the Big Bend, now and in the years ahead.

09/05/2025

International Day of Charity reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.

At Big Bend Hospice, no one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. This promise is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are deeply grateful to Tallahassee for voting us Best Non-Profit 2024, an honor that reflects the support you show us every day.

If you’d like to support our mission, you can:
• Visit https://ow.ly/4xM050WRRn9 to make a donation to help provide care for those in need.
• Shop from our Amazon list at https://ow.ly/RuPt50WRRna to give tangible items that bring comfort to patients and families.

Every gift, big or small, helps us ensure that compassion and dignity are always within reach. 💚

09/04/2025

Big Bend Hospice is proud to celebrate the promotion of Cyndi Dotson to Chief Resource Officer!

Since joining BBH in 2022, Cyndi has brought more than 20 years of human resources leadership, helping to strengthen teams and align resources in support of our mission. In her new role, she will lead Human Resources, Volunteer Services, Administrative Support Services, and Facility Support Services, continuing her commitment to fostering a high-performing, inclusive workplace.

Join us in congratulating Cyndi on this well-deserved promotion! 💚

Learn more at https://bigbendhospice.org/blog/big-bend-hospice-announces-promotion-of-cyndi-dotson-to-chief-resource-officer/

09/03/2025

When most people think of hospice, they picture the end. But at Big Bend Hospice, it’s just as much about how life is lived, especially in times of vulnerability.

Our only locally-owned, nonprofit status means we answer to neighbors, not stakeholders, so every decision and every service is rooted in compassion for our community. From music therapy to grief counseling, from volunteer companionship to tailored supportive care, we’re here because "we care."

Read more about how local hearts make local care possible at https://bigbendhospice.org/uncategorized/local-heart-local-care-local-hospice

When people think of hospice, they often think only of the end. They imagine loss, finality, and grief. But what many do not realize is that hospice is also about how life is lived, especially in its most vulnerable moments. It is about comfort. It is about dignity. And at Big Bend Hospice, it is ab...

09/02/2025

💚 When a loved one needs hospice care, having a compassionate and professional team by your side makes all the difference.

From the very first day, our Big Bend Hospice staff provides attentive care and support for your loved one and your family throughout their journey.

Hospice care at Big Bend Hospice is about more than medicine. It’s about comfort, dignity, and support for the whole family. Learn more at bigbendhospice.org or call (850) 878-5310.

09/01/2025

💚 This Labor Day, we celebrate the incredible team members who make a difference every single day at Big Bend Hospice. Your compassion, dedication, and hard work bring comfort and dignity to the patients and families we serve.

In honor of all that you do, we’re excited to share a new space created just for you, our Employee Lounge! Designed by our HR team, it’s a cozy and welcoming spot to take a break, recharge with a cup of coffee, or enjoy lunch in comfort.

Whether you need a quiet moment to breathe or a place to reconnect with a teammate, we hope this lounge reminds you how valued you are. From all of us at BBH, thank you for the heart you bring to your work each day.

Wishing you a Happy Labor Day!

08/30/2025

There’s still time to join our September Adult Grief Support Group.

Beginning Thursday, September 4, this four-week series offers a safe, welcoming space for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one. Guided by trained grief counselors, participants can share openly, learn healthy ways to cope, and find connection with others who understand. This event is free and open to the community (registration required)

🗓 Thursdays, September 4 – 25
⏰ 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
📍 The Great Room at the Jean McCully Family House,
1723 Mahan Center Boulevard in Tallahassee

To register or learn more, please contact Pam Mezzina at (850) 878-5310 or pmezzina@bigbendhospice.org.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone, we’re here for you. 💚

Learn more at

Big Bend Hospice offers a four-week grief support group for individuals dealing with a loss. Trained grief counselors lead the group in a safe space where you can talk openly, learn healthy ways to cope with your grief, and connect with others.

08/29/2025

💚 Individual Rights Day is a reminder that your voice matters, especially when it comes to your healthcare decisions.

Advance directives, like the Five Wishes document, allow you to clearly share your preferences for care so your choices are respected, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Take time today to make your wishes known and give peace of mind to those who love you. Learn more at bigbendhospice.org/advance-directives

08/28/2025

Big Bend Hospice is grateful to the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum for partnering with us on Paint with Purpose: A Creative Tribute of Comfort and Care this August.

Each Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm families are invited to the Art Zone to create, connect, and reflect together. One special project allows participants to paint butterflies in memory of Big Bend Hospice patients, offering comfort and support to their loved ones. Our Hospice volunteers and Advisory Council members also joined in, painting butterflies of their own to share. 🦋

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Patient Care Volunteer or serving as an Advisory Council member in Gadsden County, please contact Lisa Sellers at 850-878-5310.

08/27/2025

The Golden Agers group of the First Baptist Church of Havana recently invited Big Bend Hospice to present at their August Lunch-n-Learn event, a heartwarming gathering filled with creativity and community.

Together they painted butterflies as symbols of comfort and remembrance to be shared with grieving loved ones as a gentle reminder that their loss is honored and supported by the community. Alongside the creative activity, the group also took part in a conversation about common hospice myths, gaining insight into the many ways Big Bend Hospice can bring care and hope to families.

💚 If your group would like to host a Paint with a Purpose session, contact Lisa Sellers at (850) 878-5310 to learn more.

08/26/2025

On National Women’s Equality Day, we honor the strength, compassion, and leadership of women who continue to shape our world and our community.

At Big Bend Hospice, we are proud to stand alongside the women who serve as caregivers, doctors, nurses, volunteers, and leaders, ensuring every patient and family receives comfort, dignity, and respect.

Today and every day, we celebrate the women who make a difference.