For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2018
We Honor Veterans Expands its Program to Provide More Veteran-centric Hospice Care
NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans creates Level 5 program for hospice providers.
(Alexandria, VA) – The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s We Honor Veterans team is proud to announce that Level 5 is now open to all qualifying hospice partners. This is the highest level WHV partners can attain and will include several new required activities and yearly recertification.
In response to requests from the highest-level partners, WHV teamed up with a pilot group of Level 4 hospice partners to craft new programmatic activities that would answer the question many partners have: “What more can we do after Level 4?” Over the last year, this diverse group of partners have been implementing activities to expand their efforts and services provided to the Veterans and communities they serve. Aside from existing requirements, Level 5 will ensure that partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat Veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners will be taking on the role of regional mentor to other WHV partners working to enhance their programs.
As of 12/20/18, the following organizations have attained Level 5 status:
- Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company (Hyannis, MA)
- The Elizabeth Hospice (San Diego, CA)
- Hospice of the Chesapeake (Pasadena, MD)
- Arkansas Hospice, Inc (North Little Rock, AR)
- Curo SouthernCare (Evansville, IN)
- Tidewell Hospice (Sarasota, FL)
- Caris HealthCare (Knoxville, TN)
- AseraCare Hospice (Altoona, PA)
- Sutter Care at Home (Concord, CA)
“Our WHV partner programs have demonstrated a commitment to providing quality Veteran-centric care to the Veteran patients they serve, and we are excited to expand the program,” said NHPCO President & CEO Edo Banach. “We are incredibly proud of the Level 4 partners that participated in the pilot program and look forward to working with partners eager to begin the process of attaining Level 5 – a journey that will include a lot hard work and dedication.”
NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs launched We Honor Veterans in 2010 to address the growing need for Veteran-centered care, especially as Veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care. Entering its ninth year, WHV, the fastest growing program in the history of NHPCO, now has over 3,800 hospice partners and over 1,200 community-based health care partners.
WHV partners address the unique health care needs of Veterans, both physical and emotional, including the psychological toll of war and how it impacts their end-of-life journey. In some cases, Veteran patients are paired with volunteers who have also served their country and share a unique and honorable bond. Many partners also recognize the military service of Veterans with special pinning ceremonies and awards.
Learn more about We Honor Veterans Level 5.
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Media Contact:
Jon Radulovic
Vice President, Communications
703-340-6201
