Community Hospice & Palliative Care's Dorion Family Pediatric Center: A New Milestone for Families

A New Era in Pediatric Care at Dorion Family Pediatric Center

Community Hospice & Palliative Care recently celebrated the grand opening of the Dorion Family Pediatric Center, a dedicated hospice and palliative care facility in Jacksonville, Florida. This event saw children and families, who are part of Community PēdsCare®, come together for an open house, marking a heartfelt occasion to experience the new center for the first time.

The grand opening was not just another event, but a significant milestone for families across Northeast Florida. It allowed them to tour the space designed specifically with their needs in mind. Patients explored various activity rooms, participated in engaging activities, and connected with dedicated care team members. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as families discovered how the center aims to enhance the compassionate care they already receive.

Earlier this month, the facility was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by notable speakers, including Jacksonville's Mayor Donna Deegan and Phillip Ward, the CEO of Community Hospice & Palliative Care. The gathering underscored the importance of this center, which is the first of its kind in Florida, devoted to providing pediatric hospice and palliative care services. Dottie Dorion, the building's namesake, also shared her thoughts, highlighting the significance of such a facility for the community.

Phillip Ward expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new space, stating, "This center was thoughtfully designed with our families at the heart of every decision. Watching our patients and families walk through the doors for the first time and seeing their excitement was incredibly meaningful. The Dorion Family Pediatric Center represents more than a building; it is a place where children can simply be children, where families can find support, and where our team can continue providing compassionate care in new and meaningful ways."

What struck many during the open house was not just the physical space but the warmth it exuded. Children engaged in activities in the Healing Harmonies Music Therapy Room and expressed themselves creatively in the HeArts and Hope Creative Arts Room. The Sensory Therapeutic Playroom offered a vibrant space for exploration, while the Adventure Playground provided opportunities for fun and play. The Tree of Wonder and the Outdoor Sanctuary created serene settings for families to connect and reflect.

The Dorion Family Pediatric Center complements the long-standing mission of Community PēdsCare, which has been offering in-home care for decades. By providing specific spaces dedicated to music therapy, creative arts, therapeutic recreation, and family-centered programming, the center reaffirms its commitment to fostering healing and connection. Each area was carefully curated to promote play, self-expression, and cherished moments among families.

With the opening of this center, Community PēdsCare is now better positioned to support children with serious illnesses and their families with comprehensive palliative care services. This includes care delivered wherever families need it—at home, in hospitals, or within the walls of the Dorion Family Pediatric Center.

The vision for this center goes beyond medical care; it is about creating an inclusive environment where children with complex health needs and their families can gather, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships.

For more information regarding Community PēdsCare and the services available through the new Dorion Family Pediatric Center, families can visit CommunityPedsCare.com.

Established in 1979, Community Hospice & Palliative Care has been a leader in providing innovative and compassionate hospice and palliative care services. Supported by a dedicated team of over 1,000 employees and volunteers, the organization strives to improve the quality of life for approximately 1,500 patients daily, ensuring that no one is denied care due to financial constraints. To understand the broad spectrum of services and support offered by Community Hospice, visit CommunityHospice.com.