Big Bend Hospice: Community Experts in End-of-Life Care

Founded in 1983 as the first non-profit hospice in Tallahassee, we remain grounded in our Big Bend region, serving families across Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. We take pride in offering personalized care and exceptional support, ensuring your loved one receives the dignity and respect they deserve.

Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind

  • CHAP-accredited: Demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality standards.
  • Dedicated Team: Skilled nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, music therapists, and volunteers working together to address your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Holistic Care: Pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, bereavement services, and volunteer companionship – creating a comfortable and dignified experience.

Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind

  • CHAP-accredited: Demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality standards.
  • Dedicated Team: Skilled nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, music therapists, and volunteers working together to address your loved one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Holistic Care: Pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, bereavement services, and volunteer companionship – creating a comfortable and dignified experience.

Care Wherever You Call Home

More Than Just Care, A Community Commitment

Big Bend Hospice goes beyond direct care, actively collaborating to improve end-of-life care across the Big Bend region. We engage in educational initiatives, advocate for patient rights, and work to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Big Bend Hospice today. Let us guide you with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support through life’s final journey.

Together, we can make every moment count. 

More Than Just Care, A Community Commitment

Big Bend Hospice goes beyond direct care, actively collaborating to improve end-of-life care across the Big Bend region. We engage in educational initiatives, advocate for patient rights, and work to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Big Bend Hospice today. Let us guide you with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support through life’s final journey.

Together, we can make every moment count. 

If you would like to learn more about our care, please call us at:

850-878-5310 or 24/7, toll-free at 800-772-5862.

A 40+ Year History

For more than 40 years, Big Bend Hospice has been your hometown hospice. Learn more about our storied past by clicking below.

Executive Leadership Team

Bill Wertman, MSW, LSSGB

CEO of Seven Oaks Health and Big Bend Hospice

Bill Wertman began his journey with Big Bend Hospice in 2014 as the HR director and has since progressed to his current position as CEO of Seven Oaks Health and Big Bend Hospice. He holds a BSW and MSW from Florida State University and has taught graduate courses at FSU’s College of Social Work and Thomas University. Wertman serves on the boards of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, ENHANCE, the FSU Institute for Successful Longevity’s Community Advisory Committee, and the Big Bend Health Council. His community involvement also includes membership at Temple Israel Synagogue in Tallahassee. Previously, he served as executive director of the Alzheimer’s Project Inc. in Tallahassee.

Jon Wood

Jon Wood, CPA, LSSBB

President and Chief Strategy Officer of Seven Oaks Health

Jon Wood, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Seven Oaks Health, brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare finance and operations. He joined Big Bend Hospice in 2019 as a contracted CFO, quickly rising to Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University and is a certified public accountant (CPA) and Lean Six Sigma black belt. His leadership has been crucial to the growth and success of both Big Bend Hospice and Seven Oaks Health.

Deborah Morris

Deborah Morris, MD

Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health

Dr. Deborah Morris, Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health, is a physician specializing in hospice and palliative medicine. Formerly the Medical Director of Big Bend Hospice, she holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Morris taught at Eastern Virginia Medical School and was named a Top Doc by Coastal Virginia Magazine. Her dedication and expertise have significantly advanced hospice and palliative care.

Board of Directors

Scott Harrell, Chairman
Kenneth Pratt, Esq., Vice Chairman
Bennett Napier, CAE, Secretary
William Smith, III, Treasurer
Jeannine Silberman
, MD, At Large
Gwynn Virostek, At Large
Stan Barnes
, Foundation Chair
Rheb Harbison, Emeritus

Lisa H. Gardner, DNP, MSN, APRN
Bruce Gould, CPA
Judy Greenwald
Frank Mercer, CPA
Mark O’Bryant
Dr. Jerome S. Osteryoung
Tim Sanders
Katie Webb, Esq.

Bill Wertman, MSW
CEO/Administrator

Deborah Morris, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Emeritus Members

Rheb Harbison
Brant Copeland, DMin
R. B. Holmes, Jr., DMin
David Jones, MD
A. J. Smith, Sheriff