McDonough District Hospital Hospice Recognized as a We Honor Veterans Partner

It may surprise people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, McDonough District Hospital Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a We Honor Veterans Partner, MDH Hospice will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the Veterans that are hospice patients. As the nation is seeing many World War II and Korean Veterans pass away and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise, the We Honor Veterans campaign provides a commitment to improving care for Veterans.

“Partners” can assess their ability to serve Veterans and, using resources provided as part of the campaign, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to Veterans into their organization. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, MDH Hospice is better able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending.

“We have served Veterans who have held back difficult memories of their military service due to the hardships of conflict and now as they prepare for the end of life journey they may want to share those experiences,” said Kassie Streveler, MSW, social worker for MDH Hospice. “For some it is the first time other members of the family have become aware of the details of their Veteran’s service. The resources of this program can help the entire family.”

In cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, MDH Hospice staff will find tools such as a military service checklist through We Honor Veterans to help support those they are caring for.

“All hospices are serving Veterans but often aren’t aware of that person’s service in the armed forces,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping hospice and palliative care providers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life and work more effectively with VA medical facilities in their communities.”

The resources of We Honor Veterans focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgement, coupled with Veteran-centric education of health care staff caring for Veterans. Additional information about We Honor Veterans is available at www.wehonorveterans.org.

"American's Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home. Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve," added Schumacher.