The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Big Bend Hospice are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to provide compassionate support during the final stages of life for incarcerated individuals. This partnership marks the official launch of an inpatient hospice room within the Leon County Detention Facility, a unique initiative dedicated to dignity and humanity for those facing their final days in custody.
Developed over the course of a year, this collaboration was forged through thoughtful dialogue and shared values between Chief Craig Carroll, healthcare leaders from YesCare, and representatives from Big Bend Hospice. Their shared goal: to ensure that when rare but critical final stages of life situations arise, inmates receive the same caliber of comfort, clinical care, and emotional support as any other member of the community.
“At Big Bend Hospice, we believe that every individual—regardless of their life circumstances—deserves the gift of hospice, which includes a compassionate and meaningful end-of-life experience. We are honored to partner with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to extend this care to those in their custody. Through this collaboration, individuals facing terminal illness while incarcerated will receive the same respect, empathy, and expert support that define the hospice experience at Big Bend Hospice,” said Amanda Gustafson, COO.
The inpatient hospice room allows patients to transition from the general population once they are no longer ambulatory and have a prognosis of less than one week to live. Family members will be welcomed to visit and remain with their loved ones in a peaceful, private environment—far removed from the sterility of their regular cell setting. The level of care provided within the detention facility hospice room will mirror that of Big Bend Hospice’s inpatient units, ensuring comprehensive medical and psycho-social support.
This model draws inspiration from similar Department of Corrections initiatives and represents a shared commitment to providing care and compassion in custody. The partnership also highlights a broader community mission to treat every individual with dignity, regardless of circumstance.
“We are deeply committed to fostering community partnerships that enhance the well-being of everyone in our care,” said Sheriff Walt McNeil. “This initiative underscores our mission to treat all individuals with respect and humanity.”
“By offering hospice services within the detention facility, we are creating a space where compassion and respect are at the forefront,” said Chief Craig Carroll.
This collaboration between the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Big Bend Hospice sets a powerful precedent for how communities can come together to ensure that dignity, compassion, and quality care are extended to all, regardless of their circumstances. It reflects a shared belief that every life has value, and every person deserves peace at the end of life.
About the Leon County Sheriff’s Office
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of the residents of Leon County, Florida. Through accountability, professionalism, and community engagement, the agency promotes public safety and justice with a focus on respect, integrity, and service.
About Big Bend Hospice
Since 1983, Big Bend Hospice has been providing compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families throughout the eight counties of Florida’s Big Bend. With a mission rooted in dignity and support, Big Bend Hospice offers comprehensive hospice, palliative, and bereavement services that honor the lives and legacies of the patients they serve.
Media Contact:
Cristal Baer, MBA
850-559-6581 / cbaer@bigbendhospice.org
www.bigbendhospice.org