Veterans Day: Honoring America's Veterans Today, Tomorrow and at Life's End

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the nation comes together to honor Veterans on November 11, it is important to remember that these men and women also deserve recognition and compassionate care when dealing with an advanced illness.  An innovative program, We Honor Veterans, is helping healthcare professionals across the nation honor our Veterans and provide specialized care.  

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The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, created WHV 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 Members of Congress.  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.

"We are proud of the tremendous growth and success of We Honor Veterans because it reflects the commitment our hospice and other partners have to providing quality end-of-care to our nation's Veterans," said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. "It is an honor to work closely with the VA and our partners to ensure that the men and women who have given so selflessly, receive the support and compassionate care 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.    

About National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
NHPCO is the oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. The organization is committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones. 

Contact:
Anita Brikman
Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications
NHPCO
703-837-3154
[email protected]

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SOURCE National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Related Links

http://www.nhpco.org