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All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Nonprofit News.”
Hospice finance 101 and the gift of mortality
02/21/25 at 03:00 AMHospice finance 101 and the gift of mortalityPost Independent; by Peter Schoomaker, Homecare & Hospice of the Valley CFO; 2/19/25... [Practical information about hospice expenses, like labor and mileage reimbursement with. "For our agency, we estimate our clinicians will drive more than 250,000 miles in 2025, slightly more than the distance from the Earth to the Moon."] And now a more personal note … I am grateful for the last seven years of my career working in hospice care. Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to integrate into the clinical experience of hospice. When I shadow an admission visit or attend the hospice interdisciplinary meeting, I am reminded that hospice is a world of YET (You’re Eligible Too). The only thing that separates me, and our hospice patients, is time. My relative physical strength will eventually shrink. My mental faculties will fade. And there is a large possibility, at some point in my life, that I will depend almost entirely on others to help with most activities of daily living. This is true for all of us. ... ... Recognizing this truth opens a path to humility. A path to step away from the ego, even for a moment, and really let go. ... When I reflect on this, I realize what a gift our mortality is. To know that our choices matter because we never know much time we have left. A sincere thank you to all our hospice, homecare and private duty clinicians — and our administrative teams that support them. It is genuinely noble work.Editor's note: "A sincere thank you" to Peter Schoomaker, Homecare & Hospice of the Valley CFO
BCN expands community grief care and integrative medicine with grant
02/21/25 at 02:30 AMBCN expands community grief care and integrative medicine with grant Bluegrass Care Navigators; News; 2/12/25 Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have awarded Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) $50,000 to support grief services and integrative medicine programs. This funding will help BCN provide essential care to more than 1,000 diverse individuals across Lexington, Frankfort, and Cynthiana and address significant health challenges in 2025. Our Community Grief Services include individual and group counseling, Camp Hope for children and adults, and crisis response. With this grant, we anticipate being able to serve more than 800 individuals through community grief counseling. Our Integrative Medicine offerings—music, art, massage therapy, and mindfulness—expand to be able to support approximately 300 patients with 800 visits, enhancing physical and mental health. ... "Together, we are creating a meaningful impact in the community and improving the mental health and well-being of those we serve,” said Liz Fowler, president and CEO of BCN. Editor's note: After this 2/12 post, multiple hospice areas served by Bluegrass Care Navigators were flooded this week, notably Harlan and Pike Counties. We thank BCN for your community grief systems already in place, with significant support ahead for those you serve.
Harley Owners Group & Community make splash for JRMC Hospice
02/21/25 at 02:00 AMHarley Owners Group & Community make splash for JRMC Hospice NewsDakota.com, Jamestown, ND; by Steve Urness; 2/18/25 The spirit of generosity and adventure was alive and well at the 19th annual Polar Pig Walk the Plank & Chili Cook-off, held Feb. 1 at Stutsman Harley-Davidson. ... This year, Polar Pig reached an incredible milestone—surpassing $300,000 raised for JRMC Hospice since its inception. ... This year alone, $19,405 was raised, directly benefiting the care provided by the JRMC Hospice team. Braving the winter air, dozens of participants in a wide variety of costumes took the plunge, leaping into the water in the name of hospice care. Spectators cheered as JRMC team members, community members and families joined in the fun, embracing the cold for a cause. The event also featured a chili cook-off and silent auction.Editor's note: We don't know the temperature for this North Dakota polar plunge on Feb 1. However, the weather on Thu 2/20 in Jamestown, ND is -8°. Bravo to these brave souls!
Part payer, part provider: VNS Health embraces the future
02/20/25 at 03:00 AMPart payer, part provider: VNS Health embraces the futureHome Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 2/18/25As one of the biggest home-based care organizations in New York, VNS Health is leaning into its size and capabilities. ... “Our real challenge is, how do we leverage the large number of programs and services we already offer to ensure a seamless journey through the most difficult times in a person’s life,” VNS Health CEO and President Dan Savitt told Home Health Care News. ... "Being both a payer and provider allows us an opportunity to work with people in our community throughout their health care journey." ... "We use analytics to identify home care patients with late stage conditions who can benefit from enrollment in our advanced illness management program. Then we use analytics to determine when it may be appropriate to consider moving this patient population into hospice care."
Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice Safari Nights roars to success: Annual gala raises $198k for Youth and Family Grief Support Programs
02/19/25 at 03:00 AMFounding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice Safari Nights roars to success: Annual gala raises $198k for Youth and Family Grief Support Programs Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Stuart, FL; Press Release; 2/10/25 The Founding Friends of Treasure Coast Hospice (FFOTCH) welcomed guests to a magnificently decorated “jungle” at its Safari Nights fundraising gala, held on January 11, at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City. The sold-out event raised $198,000 to support Treasure Coast Hospice’s Youth and Family Grief Support Programs. ... Foundation Director Agnes Palmer, CFRE [said,] “The success of Safari Nights is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the incredible volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring resources that provide comfort, hope and healing are available to those who are grieving in our community.” ... The 200-plus members of the volunteer group have raised nearly $5,000,000 to support the organization.
Still Waters Hospice hosts "Sweet Treats Celebration" for Valentine’s Day
02/19/25 at 03:00 AMStill Waters Hospice hosts "Sweet Treats Celebration" for Valentine’s Day ABC KLAX 31, Alexandria, LA; by Sarah Drell; 2/17/25Still Waters Hospice in Alexandria, Louisiana, hosted a "Sweet Treats Celebration" on Valentine’s Day, bringing joy to patients and their families. ... Sarah Zito, Owner, Nurse Practitioner, and Administrator of Still Waters explained why they hosted this lovely event. “We wanted to put this on today because not everyone's Valentine's Day looks the same. And we have a lot of people in our community that are celebrating their first Valentine's Day without their loved ones. And we have a roomful of people and that situation. And so we wanted to take this opportunity and show them that they are still love and we value them and we grieve with them.” ... The "Sweet Treats Celebration" was more than just an event; it served as a testament to the hospice’s dedication to holistic care.
[Updated] Trump administration suspends hospice Special Focus Program
02/18/25 at 03:00 AM[Updated] Trump administration suspends hospice Special Focus Program Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/14/25 The Trump Administration has suspended implementation of the hospice Special Focus Program. Finalized in the 2024 home health payment rule, the program is designed to identify poor performing hospices, mandate quality improvement and in some cases impose additional penalties. However, stakeholders in the hospice space have contended that the agency’s methodology for selecting hospices for the program is deeply flawed. Notice of the suspension appeared [Friday, 2/14] on the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.
What's keeping CFOs up at night?
02/18/25 at 02:00 AMWhat's keeping CFOs up at night? Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Alan Condon; 2/14/25 As health system CFOs chart their course for 2025, they face an increasingly complex financial landscape marked by mounting labor costs, tightening margins, shifting payer dynamics and an evolving regulatory environment. ... [Several] CFOs recently joined the “Becker's CFO and Revenue Cycle Podcast” to discuss the trends they're watching most closely — and the strategies they're deploying to stay ahead. [Key items include the following: labor shortages (key theme); major investments in ambulatory care facilities; AI to support operations and service; physician partnerships; shift from fee for service to value-based care; clinical labor; malpractice litigation; growth of Medicare Advantage programs; staffing shortages; inflation; reimbursements; providing care to undersinsured patients; Medicaid supplemental funding programs; "disruptors' by private equity and "other nontraditional players"; uncertainty of federal and state regulation changes.]
Hospice leaders applaud CMS’s decision to reevaluate Special Focus Program, call for meaningful reforms
02/17/25 at 02:00 AMHospice leaders applaud CMS’s decision to reevaluate Special Focus Program, call for meaningful reforms National Alliance for Care at Home, Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA; Press Release; 2/14/25 Effective February 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has ceased the implementation of the Hospice Special Focus Program (SFP) so that CMS may further evaluate the program. This decision is a positive move acknowledging that the current approach is not working as intended. The hospice community has long advocated for strong oversight and patient protections, but the SFP, as implemented, was deeply flawed, unlawful, and harmful to the very patients it was meant to protect. A multi-state coalition of hospices and hospice associations took legal action in January to challenge the program, citing its misrepresentation of hospice compliance records, misleading data, and jeopardized access to high-quality end-of-life care. The flawed algorithm behind the SFP failed to distinguish fraudulent providers from reputable ones, disproportionately penalized well-established hospices, and ignored repeated warnings from congressional leaders and industry stakeholders. ... Now that CMS is reassessing its approach, there is an opportunity to ensure that oversight efforts truly enhance patient protections without restricting access to trusted hospice providers. The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) remain committed to protecting access to high-quality hospice care and ensuring that regulatory oversight is fair, transparent, and aligned with congressional intent. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Avow completes $35,000 training grant provided by FutureMakers Coalition
02/14/25 at 03:00 AMAvow completes $35,000 training grant provided by FutureMakers Coalition Florida Weekly - Fort Myers Edition, Fort Myers, FL; 2/12/25 Avow recently completed the Healthcare Leadership course as part of a $35,000 grant awarded by FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory. Made possible by nearly $23 million in federal funding from the Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge, FutureMakers Coalition connects those who need to reskill and/or upskill any, including underemployed and unemployed, Southwest Florida residents with training for industry-recognized credentials and, ultimately, careers with local employers committed to this partnership.
Hodges remembered as hospice founder
02/14/25 at 03:00 AMHodges remembered as hospice founder The News-Gazette, Lexington, VA; by Scotty Dransfield; 2/12/25Helen Hodges, the last living founder of what is now Connections Plus Hospice + Healthcare, died on Feb. 1, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication, and a lasting impact on health care in Rockbridge County. Her work helped shape end-of-life care in the area, ensuring that those facing their final days could do so with dignity and comfort. Hodges was one of the four women ... who set out in the late 1970s to bring hospice care to the community. They were a grassroots team with no paid staff and no established structure — just a vision of providing comfort and support for terminally ill patients and their families. By 1983, their efforts had formalized into an official organization, and in 1984, Rockbridge Area Hospice was officially chartered. ... A stone plaque in the hospice gardens now bears her name, a quiet but permanent reminder of the foundation she built. ...
Hospice advocates push bill for a third time despite two Hochul vetoes
02/14/25 at 03:00 AMHospice advocates push bill for a third time despite two Hochul vetoes Spectrum News 1, New York State; by susan Arbetter; 2/12/25 Last spring, Capital Tonight sounded an alarm about for-profit hospice care. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had just issued public warnings about for-profit hospice fraud in four states; it was alerting consumers to a scam in which patients were being enrolled without their knowledge by recruiters who were “selling” hospice to people who weren’t eligible. Hospice fraud like this has also been extensively reported by The New Yorker and Pro Publica. After Gov. Kathy Hochul twice vetoed a bill preventing the expansion of for-profit hospice in New York, a new bill (S.3437/ A. 565) is being introduced by the chair of the state Senate Finance Committee, Liz Krueger, and chair of the state Assembly Health Committee, Amy Paulin. “If a family is faced with a loved one that is dying, they should not also be faced with the possible incentive of money,” Assembly member Paulin told Capital Tonight. There are a variety of drawbacks to for-profit care, and there is clear data that shows profit motives drive for-profit hospice to neglect patient care and prioritize volume over quality.
Our Hospice Jennings County Gala nets $65K
02/14/25 at 02:45 AMOur Hospice Jennings County Gala nets $65K Bridge - WKJD, North Vernon, IN; by LND Staff; 2/12/25 The 27th Annual Our Hospice Jennings Gala, held last Saturday in the Barn at Willow Crossing, raised over $65,000 to support compassionate hospice care services for Jennings County residents. The evening’s success marks a significant milestone for Our Hospice to provide the highest quality compassionate, end-of-life care to community members regardless of their ability to pay. Over 200 community members, healthcare professionals, and business leaders attended this year’s event. “The overwhelming generosity displayed at this year’s gala reflects our community’s deep commitment to ensuring that every family in Jennings County has access to dignified hospice care when they need it most,” said Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice.
'Just wonderful': Clients praise benefits of new senior care facility
02/13/25 at 03:00 AM'Just wonderful': Clients praise benefits of new senior care facility The Winchester Star, Winchester, VA; by Brian Brehm; 2/5/25 Just five months after opening, Blue Ridge Independence at Home is already improving the lives of its clients. Over lunch on Monday, Berryville residents Darlene Hamby and David Rogan talked about their affection for the 15,000-square-foot social and medical support center that began operations in September ... “It’s just wonderful,” said Hamby, who was one of the first four clients to enroll at Blue Ridge Independence at Home (BRIH). ... The new center was created by Blue Ridge Hospice to support a local Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national initiative that provides medical and socialization services for people who are 55 or older and can live safely at home. It is one of 14 PACE programs in Virginia.
Meet Karen Rubel, president and CEO of Nathan Adelson
02/13/25 at 03:00 AMMeet Karen Rubel, president and CEO of Nathan Adelson Las Vegas Business Press; 2/11/25Karen Rubel is the president and CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice. She joined the organization in 2007 as the vice president of development. She has extensive experience in operations, administration, major gifts fundraising and building development programs, as well as strong leadership skills and strategic planning abilities. ...Q: Let’s talk about professional goals for the hospice in 2025. A: Nathan Adelson Hospice is really in a transition for 2025. We are affiliated with the country’s largest nonprofit hospice company, Chapters Health System. We have created, with three other hospice entities, Chapters Health West.Q: Let’s talk about your professional goals in 2025.A: I will be transitioning out of my role as the president and CEO for Nathan Adelson and heading the Chapters Health West region. I am excited about this new opportunity.
Chapters Health System names new Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Foundation for Chapters Health Foundation
02/10/25 at 02:30 AMChapters Health System names new Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Foundation for Chapters Health Foundation Cision, Temple Terrace, FL; PR Newswire; 2/6/25 Chapters Health System ... announced the appointment of Franklin Guerrero as the new Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Chapters Health Foundation. Guerrero, accomplished fundraising executive with more than 20 years of experience in developing successful fundraising strategies, previously served as the Vice President of Major and Planned Gifts at Capital Caring Health, a Chapters Health affiliate organization. He also partnered with leadership at organizations such as AARP Foundation, Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Project HOPE, USA for UNHCR and Children International. "We're thrilled to have Franklin's leadership at the Chapters Health Foundation to help expand our culture of philanthropy," said Rhonda White, president of hospice and PACE, Chapters Health System.
Arkansas Hospice names Brian Bell new President and CEO
02/10/25 at 02:10 AMArkansas Hospice names Brian Bell new President and CEO Arkansas Money & Politics (AMP); by AMP Staff; 2/7/25 Arkansas Hospice announced Thursday that Dr. Brian W. Bell, M.D., FAAHPM, will take over as president and CEO for Arkansas Hospice’s Family of Care on March 10. He joined the company in 2016 and is currently the chief medical officer. He will replace Judith Wooten, who announced her retirement last year. Wooten will stay on through April to ensure a smooth transition. Bell has worked in hospice care since 2006 and is board-certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. He is one of only people in the state with the designation fellow of the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Hospice of North Idaho celebrates record-breaking event
02/10/25 at 02:00 AMHospice of North Idaho celebrates record-breaking event Coeur d'Alene / Post Falls Press, Coeur d'Alene, ID; by Devin Weeks; 2/7/25The 40th year turned out to be the finest. Hospice of North Idaho hosted a successful sold-out soirée Feb. 1, raising an all-time best of more than $276,000 at the 40th annual Wine Taste and Auction at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. "It’s a new record for us," Hospice of North Idaho Executive Director Eric Ladwig said Thursday. ... "These are programs we don’t get any reimbursement from Medicare for," Ladwig said. "There's no mechanism for reimbursement other than community support." The annual event has seen increasing support year over year ... [for] Hospice of North Idaho, which has been providing end-of-life care and support services for the community for 44 years. Counting volunteers, attendees and sponsors, well over 400 people gathered for "The Secret Garden"-inspired evening, ... "It sold out three days before the event," Ladwig said.
Regional Hospice celebrates 10 years of compassionate care at inpatient Center For Comfort Care & Healing
02/07/25 at 03:00 AMRegional Hospice celebrates 10 years of compassionate care at inpatient Center For Comfort Care & HealingThe Newtown Bee; 2/2/25[Connecticut] Regional Hospice marked a momentous milestone in January with the tenth anniversary of its Center for Comfort Care & Healing, a one-of-a-kind facility that has redefined end-of-life care in Connecticut... ToniAnn Marchione, LRT (M), BS, president and CEO of Regional Hospice, notes Regional Hospice has been providing care in the community for more than 40 years. “When we opened our doors to the Center a decade ago, our former president & CEO, Cynthia Emiry Roy, MS, LCSW, CHA, who was the visionary, along with our board members and others, created more than just a hospice facility — the idea was to build a true home where patients and their loved ones could find comfort, dignity, and peace,” Marchione said.
Carlos T. Graveran to Lead Bridginglife as Assistant Vice President of Hospice and Palliative Care Services
02/07/25 at 03:00 AMCarlos T. Graveran to Lead Bridginglife as Assistant Vice President of Hospice and Palliative Care ServicesNewswise press release; by LifeBridge Health; 2/3/25[Maryland] BridgingLife, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality palliative and hospice services, today announced that Carlos T. Graveran will join the organization as assistant vice president of Hospice and Palliative Care Services, effective February 10. Previously known as Carroll Hospice, BridgingLife is a nationally recognized hospice program that has been providing end-of-life and palliative care services for nearly 40 years.
CareFirstNY announces the loss of beloved CEO, Tali Sutton
02/07/25 at 03:00 AMCareFirstNY announces the loss of beloved CEO, Tali Sutton CareFirstNY, Painted Post, NY; 2/5/26 It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Tali Sutton, CEO of CareFirstNY, experienced a sudden and unexpected medical emergency on Monday, February 3. True to her giving spirit, she is an organ donor and will pass along her final gift of life to others in need. Tali’s belief in CareFirstNY, her authenticity, and her friendship created a bright light that united many people across our region. As a leader, Tali instilled a passionate culture of understanding, positivity, and trust that will be deeply missed. ... CareFirstNY’s patient care services will remain uninterrupted at this time; we will share additional information as available and appropriate. For those who would like to make a contribution to Tali’s memory, please visit our Donation Page for more information.
Hospice Alliance hosts CNA walk-in interviews
02/07/25 at 03:00 AMHospice Alliance hosts CNA walk-in interviews Kenosha.com, Kenosha, WI; Press Release; 2/5/25 What: Hospice Alliance is looking for dedicated Certified Nursing Aides to join our award-winning team. We will be hosting walk-in interviews on Thursdays throughout the month of February from 1 – 3 pm for full-time 1st shift aides. Wages start at $18.50 an hour, and positions are benefit eligible (i.e. PTO, 403b match, health, vision and dental insurance). Please bring your resume, CNA certification, driver’s license, and auto insurance with you (all of which are required for the position). Who: Open to anyone who is a Wisconsin Certified Nursing Aide Where: ... When: Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 1 – 3 pm Applications can be completed ahead of time at ...Editor's note: We're posting this as an innovative, user-friendly recruitment initiative.
Central Coast VNA & Hospice expands hospice and support programs in the Central Coast region
02/07/25 at 02:20 AMCentral Coast VNA & Hospice expands hospice and support programs in the Central Coast region Chicago News; Press Release, media contact Jane Russo; 2/5/25 Central Coast VNA & Hospice, a trusted leader in home health and hospice care for over 70 years, is proud to announce the expansion of its comprehensive hospice and support programs throughout the Central Coast. ... With an increased focus on hospice care, education, and support, Central Coast VNA & Hospice is reaching more communities, including Monterey, Salinas, Hollister, and Santa Cruz. The organization’s enhanced programs include:
No one should die alone. A Cape Fear Valley initiative aims to make that true for patients
02/06/25 at 03:00 AMNo one should die alone. A Cape Fear Valley initiative aims to make that true for patients The Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville, NC; by Lizmary Evans; 2/5/25 No one should take their last breath alone, and the mission of a new volunteer group at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center will make sure that doesn't happen. The No One Dies Alone program, an internationally recognized initiative that began in 2001 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon, provides trained companions to sit with dying patients who do not have loved ones available during their final moments, according to a news release. ... "Sitting at the bedside of another human being, keeping awake and alert — it’s a vigil," [Mary Draughn, the hospice patient care manager at Valley Hospice House in Fayetteville] said last week. "This vigil provides comfort, meaning, resolution and peace to both the dying person and the companion."
Francis formally appointed Community Hospice CEO
02/06/25 at 03:00 AMFrancis formally appointed Community Hospice CEO Oakdale Leader, Oakdale, CA; Press Release; 2/5/25 Community Hospice and Health Services (CHHS) Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Mathew Francis as President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective Feb. 1, 2025. Francis assumed the Interim CEO role in October 2024. As President/CEO, Francis is responsible for the overall and day to day operations of all aspects of Community Hospice and Health Services, and its affiliate organizations, Community Hospice and Health Services Foundation, and CHI Management, Inc. ... Community Hospice and Health Services (CHHS) is a nonprofit, community-based agency, serving the greater Central Valley since 1979.