VITAS Innovative Hospice Care is one of the largest health care service providers in the United States. Established in 1978, it operates more than 40 hospice care programs and employs a staff of over 8,500 professionals. The center provides treatment to patients in residences, inpatient hospice units, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities. Headquartered in Miami, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care offers nursing care services to adult and pediatric patients who suffer from a range of life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer s disease, AIDS, and heart, lung, liver and kidney problems. It also provides an active treatment program called Intensive Palliative Care that cures patients undergoing physical and emotional pains. The center maintains one of its office locations in San Antonio.