Literature Review

MorseLife: Pay to nonprofit's top executives draws community, donor scrutinyThe Palm Beach Post; by Alexandra Clough; 6/3/25The controversy began in January when an anonymous letter was sent to the leadership board at the respected health care facility. To this date, it is not known — at least publicly — who authored the two-page salvo that first raised alarms about executive pay, tax law compliance and potential for a whistleblower complaint. Specifically, the letter flagged the payment of top MorseLife executives' compensation to a for-profit company called Amplifii Management LLC. Amplifii is owned by MorseLife Chief Executive Keith Myers and Chief Financial Officer Randy Wolan, according to federal and state public records.

Missoula community celebrates opening of Hope Hospice Center NBC-KULR, NonStop Local Billings, MT / Missoula, MT; by Taylor Richardson; 6/3/25 The Hope Hospice Center celebrated its opening with a ceremony in Missoula, marking a significant milestone for elder care in Western Montana. The new facility will provide critical end-of-life care for people across the region. The state-of-the-art center spans 15,200 square feet and offers 24-hour end-of-life services. It includes 12 private patient rooms, spaces for family visits, and areas for religious and cultural practices. Amanda Yeoman Melro, Executive Director of Partners Hope Foundation, expressed her excitement about the center. "I think it has exceeded our wildest dreams of what a hospice center could possibly be," she said. The facility was made possible through community fundraising efforts led by the Partners Hope Foundation, which raised more than $15 million. 

h/care acquires home health, hospice provider VNA of Ohio Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 6/4/25 The health care management organization h/care has acquired the home health and hospice provider Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio (VNA). Financial terms were undisclosed. VNA was established in 1902 by 13 women seeking to provide care to the seriously ill. The organization has been considering a sale for some time, according to Ryan Haller, CEO and founding principal of h/care. The two companies connected through mutual industry relationships, Haller said. 

The Roaring ‘20s: Hospice of the Valley hosts senior prom Arcadia News, Phoenix, AZ; by Mallory Gleich; 6/1/25 At the Dementia Care and Education Campus in Arcadia, the spirit of the Roaring ’20s came to life as Hospice of the Valleyhosted its second annual senior prom. With pearls, feathers, vintage flair, and a whole lot of heart, this unforgettable evening was more than just a dance, it was a joyful celebration of life, connection, and music. Around 80 guests – a mix of Adult Day Club members, assisted living residents, spouses, family members, staff, and volunteers – attended the soiree. From the start, the event buzzed with anticipation and excitement. For many, this was a chance to relive a moment they had missed, or rewrite one that had fallen short in their youth. 

Nonprofit participates in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Coeur d'Alene / Post Falls Press, Coeur d'Alene, ID; 5/31/25 Hospice of North Idaho took the plunge this week after being nominated by Kootenai Health to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In a video on social media, Hospice of North Idaho’s Leadership Team and staff sat front and center Wednesday as team members gathered, cheered and doused them with buckets of ice-cold water all in the name of a great cause, Hospice of North Idaho shared in a Friday news release. ... “Hospice of North Idaho is proud to take part in this movement and show our support for those affected by ALS,” Megan Ryan, communications specialist at Hospice of North Idaho.

Jewish hospice volunteer goes beyond ‘Shabbat blessings’ with ‘Froth and Bubble’ Jewish News; by Shannon Levitt; 5/20/25 Jeff Lewis, 71, had about 100 boxes of books with him when he moved to the Valley from California more than a decade ago. Surprisingly, those books became his first link to Hospice of the Valley (HOV), an organization that would become very important to him through the years. ... Thus, when he decided to retire from his photography business but wanted to stay busy, his friend again nudged him toward HOV and its Shabbat Blessings volunteer program. ... As a Shabbat Blessings volunteer, Lewis, a member of Temple Solel in Paradise Valley, offers hospice patients a small Shabbat service, including lighting Shabbat candles, saying the Hamotzi and Kiddush blessings and offering small prayers. [Story of patient financially choosing between medicine and food.]  ... [Lewis} started buying $75 grocery gift cards to give away. [This developed into] The Froth and Bubble Foundation for Food Assistance. Editor's note: This inspirational Shabbat blessings story tells the rich background behind our 3rd top-read story from last week, Hospice volunteer donates 10,000 gift cards to cancer patients. Scroll to the end of this story for the meaning behind the name "Froth and Bubble." 

SpiriTrust Lutheran says Home Care & Hospice operations will wind down across three counties, end service on July 18th Tri-State Alert, Chambersburg, PA; Press Release; 5/29/25 Earlier on Thursday [5/29], News Talk 1037FM was alerted to a WARN notice from SpiriTrust Lutheran as to a closure of a portion of their business. Throughout the process, that notice has been narrowed down to their Home Care & Hospice (HCH), with the company announcing their plans to discontinue operations out of their Franklin County office which serves clients in Franklin, Adams and York counties. The official closure will be July 18, 2025. ... SpiriTrust Lutheran says that roughly 65 home care and hospice employees will be affected by the shutting, but  some are expected to be reassigned or offered positions within the SpiriTrust Lutheran family of Life Plan Communities ... SpiriTrust Lutheran officials cited the organization’s ongoing challenges mirrored those confronting many similar organizations nationwide – significant increases in the cost of delivering care due to staffing shortages; rising benefit expenses; and the escalating prices for medical supplies and pharmacy. 

Hospice El Paso to receive over $100K from Marathon Petroleum Corporation KTSM, El Paso, TX; Press Release; 5/28/25 Hospice El Paso will receive a $174,000 donation from Marathon Petroleum Corporation this week, which includes the gift of a fully equipped ambulance to support the organization’s patient transportation needs. The donation will be held on Thursday, May 29, the organization said. ... The donation will enable the organization to “provide timely and compassionate transportation for patients requiring specialized end-of-life care, ensuring they receive the support they need with dignity and comfort,” read the news release by the organization. ... “We are deeply grateful to Marathon Petroleum for their unwavering commitment to our community,” Dr. Jim Voiland, CEO of Hospice El Paso, said.

[United Kingdom] Hospice cuts staff and beds to secure its future BBC News, Yorkshire, UK; by Alex Moss; 5/23/25A hospice in Huddersfield has announced it has made 19 staff redundant and reduced the number of inpatient beds in order to save its future. The Kirkwood provides end-of-life care to about 2,000 patients each year but its chief executive Michael Crowther said it had faced a "perfect storm" of rising operational costs over the past few years. ... He said: "This has been the single hardest decision we have ever had to make." Another nine staff members have agreed to cut their hours and several others have decided to retire to help reduce the annual costs by £1.7m, the hospice added. ..."As you can imagine, this has been one of the most difficult periods in The Kirkwood's history. ..."Editor's note: Read more--directly from The Kirkwood--at "Securing Our Future Together: A New Way Forward." 

Inaugural walk raises awareness for pancreatic cancer Columbus Jewish News, Beachwood, OH; by Becky Raspe; 5/21/25 On April 30, Wexner Heritage Village held its inaugural Zusman Hospice & Pancreatic Cancer Walkathon fundraiser. Held at Bexley’s Schneider Park, the event was held in memory of Rob Cohen, brother of Wexner Heritage Village and Zusman Hospice’s volunteer coordinator Judi Koval. Cohen died three years ago from pancreatic cancer ... under the care of Wexner Heritage Village’s Zusman Hospice “at the end of his days.” Organizing the walk to honor her brother, the event date also would’ve been her brother’s birthday, she said. 

What is at-home hospice care and how it works near NYC Medical Device News Magazine; 5/19/25 

New palliative care unit at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield WWLP Springfield, MA; by Kayleigh Thomas; 5/15/25 Mercy Medical Center in Springfield has just opened its new Palliative Care Unit, the first in western Massachusetts. This unit is named after the late Andy Yee, a well-known local restaurant owner. It serves as a tribute to his legacy and dedication to the community. ... To honor his memory, Mercy Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new palliative care unit named after him. “My dad is extraordinary. He always took care of others. He always showed up when it mattered most. And this space here, this unit embodies that spirit,” said Andy Yee’s daughter, Bella Yee. 

[Pre-Memorial Day Outreach] Hospice of Texarkana to host Veterans Appreciation Picnic on Friday Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX; by Gazette Staff; 5/14/25 Hospice of Texarkana will have its third annual Veterans Appreciation Picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Hospice of Texarkana Care Center grounds, ... The picnic is open to all current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces ... The picnic not only celebrates veterans but also fosters community, allowing attendees to connect, share stories, and relax in a supportive and respectful environment, according to a news release. Guests will enjoy complimentary lunch and beverages and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for outdoor seating. "As part of our 'We Honor Veterans' program, this event reflects our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation's heroes," said Cynthia Marsh, executive director of Hospice of Texarkana. "With Memorial Day around the corner, it's a meaningful time to come together in honor and reflection."Editor's note: What great community outreach!