Maintaining active involvement in a Hospice-Veteran Partnership (HVP) is a central component of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program. Hospice-Veteran Partnerships (HVP) are community or state-based coalitions that work to ensure that excellent care at the end of life is available for all Veterans and their families.
These coalitions provide leadership, technical assistance, and guidance to improve Veterans’ access to hospice care, strengthen relationships between community hospice providers and VA facilities, and expand community awareness and engagement around care for terminally-ill Veterans. Throughout the year, HVP’s also participate in community events to build their presence and provide needed support to Veterans in their region. Many of these coalitions consistently go above and beyond to serve the Veterans in their communities.
This October, the South Central Texas Hospice Veteran Partnership (HVP) volunteered at their local Veteran hospital to distribute food to Veteran households. Twenty-five individual volunteers participated in this event, which included representation from Crest Hospice, Vitas Healthcare, and Visiting Angels. Through this partnership, the South Central Texas HVP was able to provide food to 134 households in need while concurrently strengthening their relationship with their VA facility and demonstrating their organization’s commitment to Veterans.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Eastern Georgia Hospice Veteran Partnership established relationships with several VFW and American Legion posts to deliver relief and donations to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. This HVP fed breakfast to out of state linemen, distributed supplies to families in need, and brought water and meals to 109 households that were unable to leave their homes due to storm damage. The Eastern Georgia HVP pledges their commitment to an ongoing partnership with local Veteran’s groups in South Georgia to help those most impacted by the destruction.
Agape Hospice’s Ken Mobley, the leader of the Eastern Georgia HVP, described noticing that many households’ accessibility ramps and steps were damaged due to the storms. This created a barrier for individuals that rely on wheelchairs and walkers to exit these homes and created hazards for healthcare workers attempting to gain entry to provide needed care to those residents. As a result, the Eastern Georgia HVP launched their plan entitled “A Step Forward” to repair these important accessibility entrances.
Through their involvement in Hospice-Veteran Partnerships, WHV partners along with VA representatives and other Veteran-centric groups and individuals provide valuable support to terminally-ill Veterans in their communities. HVPs exist in nearly all 50 states. Check out the HVP Roster to get involved with your nearest HVP!
