An innovative program, We Honor Veterans, is helping healthcare professionals across the nation honor our Veterans and provide specialized care.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, created We Honor Veterans in 2010, to empower hospice and other non-hospice community partners across America to meet the unique needs of seriously ill Veterans and their families.
WHV partners address both physical and emotional needs, including the psychological toll of war and how it impacts the end-of-life journey. Partners engage in activities including utilizing a military history checklist at admission, as well as outreach to other community organizations. In some cases, Veteran patients are paired with volunteers who have also served their country and share a unique and honorable bond.
Recognition events like pinning ceremonies are done frequently and often include participation from Congressional representatives. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) will participate in a ceremony honoring Veterans under the care of Hospice of the Piedmont located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am thrilled to recognize our nation’s heroes,” says Senator Warner. “Hospice care is incredibly important, and I am honored to participate in this event in conjunction with Hospice of the Piedmont which celebrates all Virginia Veterans receiving hospice care. Today is a special day to give our Veterans thanks and recognition, but it’s important to remember to honor these men and women each and every day.”
This is just one of several pinning ceremonies happening around the country on Veterans Day.
Currently, there are over 2,800 hospice partners and 1,000 non-hospice community partners enrolled in the WHV program.
“Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping healthcare professionals and volunteers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “It is time that we step up and acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve.”
As we celebrate our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day – and every day of the year – we must not forget that it is never too late to say thank you!
Learn more at www.WeHonorVeterans.org.
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