Houston Hospice Earns Fourth We Honor Veterans Star, Local Quilters Pay Tribute

HOUSTON, Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Hospice has earned a Level Four promotion from We Honor Veterans, the highest level of the program. Launched by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), We Honor Veterans is a program to improve the care veterans receive from hospice and palliative care providers. The higher status reflects Houston Hospice's work to provide veteran-centric care and support that reflects the important contributions by men and women who served in the U.S. military.

"Texas and Houston are home to large Veteran populations in all of our communities," said Houston Hospice Vice President of Development and External Affairs Cynthia Nordt. "Our commitment as a hospice is not only to provide quality hospice care and services for Veterans in our care but help connect Veterans to the VA, healthcare services and valuable community resources. Level Four is a significant achievement reflecting our work across educational and community outreach along with patient care to better serve our Veterans." According to NHPCO, a vast majority of Veterans may not be aware of end-of-life services available to them, including the Medicare Hospice Benefit and VA-paid hospice care.

In Houston Hospice's Vet-to-Vet program, Veteran volunteers are paired with Veterans who are on hospice service. Volunteers like Mike McCardle meet with patients to share experiences, support and healing. "I feel a deep connection because they know I understand," said McCardle, who served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1969. "It's been a rewarding bond to meet other Veterans. I've heard stories about the Battle of the Bulge and South Pacific," he added.

In addition, care teams, including chaplains, nurses, volunteers and social workers, present each Veteran with a Certificate of Recognition for his or her service to the nation.

Helping Hands Ladies of Cypress (HHLOC) approached Houston Hospice to partner in making quilts and crocheted hats for Veterans in hospice care. "It's a huge honor for us to recognize Veterans and use our craft for Veterans. Every quilt we make is special and represents our gratitude and commitment to those men and women who have done so much for serving our country," said HHLOC's Cathy Travland. The patriotic-themed quilts are made from donated fabric and materials.

"Quilts are an expression of love, strength and warmth and these will touch many hearts," said Nordt.

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SOURCE Houston Hospice