Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lebien.
Lauren , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
ClearPath Healthcare, formerly known as Hospice of Redmond, has been part of Central Oregon since 1979. A small group of community members — a surgeon, a nurse, a few neighbors who saw a need — came together to give people another option at the end of life: the option to stay home. We started entirely on volunteer power, serving six patients a month. Over four decades, that grew into something larger, but the work has always felt the same at its core.
We were committed to being a community-based nonprofit hospice, but we wanted to help more people. We kept seeing seniors who couldn’t get to a clinic, caregivers putting their own health last, older adults falling through the gaps of a system that assumes you can show up in person. Hospice of Redmond had big and exciting plans to better serve our Central Oregon neighbors. So, in December 2025, Hospice of Redmond changed its name to ClearPath Healthcare. Our nonprofit served more than Redmond, Oregon, and offered more than hospice services for decades. We knew we needed to change our name to do what was next: launch an in-home primary care service.
In spring of 2026, ClearPath Healthcare launched an In-home Primary Care service, serving patients 55+ who struggle to physically get in to see their doctor in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. We simply bill insurance and we do not charge a membership fee, allowing for greater access across all incomes. We are the same nonprofit, simply broadening our reach and helping more people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Changing the name of a nonprofit organization which has been beloved and recognized name in our community for 47 years was (and is!) no easy feat. Many people have assumed our nonprofit was bought out by a corporation, or that we are no longer offering hospice services. With a lot of marketing strategy, patience, one-on-one conversations and time, people seem to understand that we are the same organization.
Additionally, launching an In-Home Primary Care from scratch was no simply or easy accomplishment either. Initially, our model for this service included a $200 per month membership fee to cover the travel costs of our providers. However, right before we officially began seeing patients, our leadership made the difficult and very exciting decision to open this service up to everyone and prevent any financial barriers from keeping people from the healthcare they need in their own home.
It’s been a road full of “best laid plans!” But we are so proud of where we are today, confident in our model, our team, and the access we are able to offer people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ClearPath Healthcare?
When hospice care first came to the United States in the late 1970’s, 95% of them were nonprofit organizations. Now, only about 25% of hospices in America are nonprofit. In a rapidly changing industry, ClearPath Healthcare, formerly known as Hospice of Redmond, has remained committed to its values as a nonprofit hospice organization. Nonprofit hospice organizations do not pocket any excess funds they receive from Medicare to break even and keep the lights on; instead, all of those funds get poured back into free local programs.
ClearPath Healthcare has been offering compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement support since 1979. Since 2004, ClearPath has offered a free case-management and resource support program for any Central Oregonian with a serious illness – this is typically perfect for people who do not yet qualify for hospice care. And now, in 2026, ClearPath launched a 100% insurance-billable In-Home Primary Care Service for Central Oregonians 55+ who may struggle to get in to see their doctor.
ClearPath is about removing barriers and offering people a ClearPath for their healthcare future. We do not charge for our services, and we have a heart to keep it that way.
If you know someone struggling, give us a call – we have lots of resources to help.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
What a tough question to answer! I enjoyed going on vacations with my family, and spending time with my family. I loved warm weather, and still do.
Pricing:
- None
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearpathhealthcare.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearpathhealthcare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearpathhealthcare/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearpathhealthcare/posts/?feedView=all
