Heart and Soul Hospice was recently awarded Level 4 certification from the “We Honor Veterans” program. We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The program is designed to encourage those working with veterans to recognize the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. Hospices, state hospice organizations, hospice-veteran partnerships and VA facilities are invited to create a pioneering program focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment. By recognizing these needs, community providers — in partnership with VA staff — will learn how to accompany and guide veterans through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.
We Honor Veterans also provides tiered recognition to organizations, known as Partners, that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for veterans. There are five levels that partners can achieve in the program. Partner organizations assess their ability to serve veterans and, using resources provided as part of the program, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to veterans into their organization.
To achieve Level 4 certification, hospice organizations are required to provide Veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers; identify patients with military experience; build organizational capacity to provide quality care for veterans; develop and strengthen relationships with VA medical centers and other veteran organizations; and increase access and improve quality of care for veterans in the community.
“Achieving the Level 4 certification reflects our organization’s continuing commitment and dedication to ensuring veterans have access to quality end-of-life care,” said Sarah Goertz, marketing director for Heart and Soul Hospice.
For information about Heart & Soul Hospice, contact Sarah Goertz, marketing director, at 316-652-6212 or sgoertz@pmma.org.