Literature Review

Molina Healthcare of Ohio donates $125,000 to address shortage of home care and hospice nurses Business Wire; by Ben Jackey; 8/21/24 Molina Healthcare of Ohio ("Molina") awarded a $125,000 grant to the Center for Community Based Care (CCBC), the nonprofit foundation arm of the Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice (OCHCH). The investment will fund efforts to address the shortage of nurses in home care and hospice settings and support a new hotline aiding Ohioans managing serious illnesses from home. ... "Molina believes all individuals should have access to high-quality care and our support of CCBC will help create greater capacity for Ohioans to receive care from home," said Ami Cole, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Ohio. "CCBC is reducing gaps in health equity and we are proud to invest in their work."

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union awards Home Health & Hospice Care $2,024 for National Nonprofit Day CUInsight, Lowell, MA; by Robin Lorenzen; 8/20/24 Home Health & Hospice Care was selected as the winner of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s National Nonprofit Day campaign. The organization received a $2,024 donation as the winning prize. National Nonprofit Day was celebrated on Saturday, August 17. The campaign, which is part of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Small Acts That Give Back initiative, ran from July 15 through August 2. Community members nominated their favorite local 501(c) (3) nonprofits for the chance to win a $2,024 donation. ... “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this generous donation from our friends at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union; this support is crucial in supporting our Access To Care Programs,” remarked Paula J. Telage, Director of Corporate Giving at Home Health & Hospice Care.

Hospice of Greater Cleveland: A new partnership between Judson and McGregor Senior Living Communities Morningstar, Cleveland, OH; by PR Newswire; 8/15/24 For Judson and McGregor Senior Living Communities, organizational aspirations have always been to provide continuity of care and quality service through our dedicated teams. ... We are pleased to announce that the two organizations have embarked on a new joint venture. ... This strategic partnership, built on the strengths of both organizations, is designed to provide the utmost comfort, dignity, and support to our hospice residents during their end-of-life journey, ensuring a seamless and enhanced experience for all. ... Hospice of Greater Cleveland will begin its work on August 15, 2024. This partnership reflects the ongoing support of our collective organization and the missions that drive our commitment to seniors in Northeast Ohio.

Blue Ridge Hospice moves forward with new PACE ProgramHospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/12/24 Blue Ridge Hospice is launching its first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program, which will begin accepting participants on Sept. 1. The program is branded as Blue Ridge Independence at Home, designed to offer seniors a “comprehensive” suite of services to address medical and nonmedical needs and help them stay in their homes, the organization indicated. The launch reflects a longstanding trend of hospices diversifying their services to include upstream care, an area in which PACE programs are gaining ground. “Our desire to get into the PACE program was driven by a need to make the continuum of care more smooth for the frail aging population, ...” Jason Parsons, CEO of Blue Ridge Hospice, told Hospice News.Editor's Note: Blue Ridge Hospice is in Winchester, VA. 

HOV takes on icy challenge to help end ALSLovin' Life [AZ]; by Lin Sue Flood; 8/4/24Several members of Hospice of the Valley’s Tucson care team enjoyed getting soaked for a great cause: the 10th anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the global phenomenon that transformed the fight against ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The annual Ice Bucket promotion is a fun way to raise awareness and enhance support for those living with ALS. Hospice of the Valley’s Tucson team was excited to accept the chilly challenge. The nonprofit hospice works closely with ALS Arizona to support and care for patients with the neuromuscular condition.Publisher's note: A great way to raise awareness about your organization is to raise awareness for others!

Virginia Department of Veterans Services Veterans Care Centers utilize robotic pets for Veterans coping with dementiaPress release; 8/5/24Six Robotic Companions Donated To Each Veterans Care Center In The Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is pleased to announce that Capital Caring Health, based in Falls Church, Va., is providing companion robotic pets for veterans at the Commonwealth’s veteran care centers. According to clinical studies and first-hand experience at Capital Caring Health, these companion pets have been proven to improve the quality of life of veterans and others suffering from dementia and/or loneliness. “We find that the robotic pets are very helpful in assisting with residents when they are agitated or restless,” said Robyn Jennings, Administrator at Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond. “It gives the veterans a sense of peace when holding the pets.” ... “Recipients of our robotic pets usually keep them around the clock and name them,” said Stephen Cone, Chief of Communications, Marketing & Philanthropy at Capital Caring Health. “Personalities of the veterans change from agitated and confused to often joyful, happy and calm – a dramatic transformation that improves the veterans’ lives. I hear from families all the time how miraculous it is for their family member to have received one of these pets.” These robotic companion pets are provided free of charge to any professional caregiver or family caregiver who contacts Capital Caring Health on behalf of a loved one or patient with dementia thanks to donations from individuals, companies, and foundations.

Bluegrass Care Navigators receives grant to care for veterans The Anderson News, Lawrenceburg, KY; 8/1/24 Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) is honored to announce it has received a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $18,000 which will allow us to focus our Integrative Medicine therapies on serving more of our veteran patients across our service lines. “Thank you, DVNF, for your generous support,” Liz Fowler, President and CEO of BCN, said. “This grant empowers us to continue serving our veteran patients with integrative medicine therapies like art, music, and massage sessions. Your kindness ensures that all veterans, regardless of financial means, receive the holistic care they deserve.” 

Hospice of the Western Reserve Acquires Hospice of North Central Ohio Longview News-Journal, Cleveland, OH; by Hospice of the Western Reserve; 8/1/24 Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR), a premier provider of hospice and palliative care services in Northern Ohio, has completed its acquisition of Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) effective today. This strategic alliance aims to expand access to high-quality, comprehensive end-of-life care across a broader region. The news follows a February 2024 announcement that the two community-based, nonprofit agencies had entered a management services agreement, allowing HWR to begin a due diligence process in preparation for the full transition. The acquisition comes because of increased competition within the HNCO service area, economic challenges, and a need to stabilize and ultimately grow the organization. 

The 12 event raises over $600,000 for NVNA and Hospice MassNonprofit News; 7/30/24 On June 19, NVNA and Hospice held its 10th annual The 12 event on the grounds of the Pat Roche Hospice Home atop Hingham’s Turkey Hill. More than $600,000 in critical funds were raised under the tent to support patients and families seeking end-of-life care. Over 600 guests gathered at the sold-out event, named for the 12 patient rooms at the home, for an evening of impact and inspiration. Family hospice experiences were shared, colleagues were honored, and live entertainment was provided by local musicians Steve and Sarah Bass. “Our ability to increase patient care access is directly due to the fact that this community supports our non-profit mission,” said Renee McInnes, MBA, RN, CEO of NVNA and Hospice. “Each year I am overwhelmed by the generosity that continues to grow along with us.”

Keeping for-profits out of hospices in New York State: A moral imperative Mid Hudson News, Albany, NY; 7/28/24 In recent years, the debate surrounding the role of for-profit entities in healthcare has intensified, particularly concerning the hospice sector. New York State, known for its robust healthcare infrastructure and progressive policies, now faces a critical decision: whether to allow for-profit companies to operate hospices. The implications of this decision are profound, as it touches on the very essence of what hospice care represents—compassion, dignity, and support at the end of life. The New York State Assembly is taking action by introducing Assembly Bill 6032, aimed at restricting the expansion of for-profit hospices across the state and preventing existing providers from increasing their capacity.

Hospice House of Williamsburg halts admissions for 3 months during renovations WHRO; by Nick McNamara; 7/18/24 Hospice House of Williamsburg is pausing admissions while the facility enters the final phase of renovations. Hospice House has provided end-of-life care and support for upwards of 150 guests annually since its facility opened in 2002. More than 3,000 people have stepped through its Powhatan Parkway doors in that time. And it did it all free of charge, according to Executive Director Brandon Randall. ... To meet that mission, the nonprofit relies on community donations to the tune of $1 million per year. Donations are also what made Hospice House’s renovations possible. ... The final phase of renovations starts in July and is expected to be complete in 12 weeks. During that time, staff will continue offering bereavement support services.

AMOREM names new Chief Executive Officer WKSK 93.5 West Jefferson, NC; 7/23/24 On Monday evening, the AMOREM Board of Directors named April Moore as the organization’s new chief executive officer. Moore began her career in hospice in 2004 ... with Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, which integrated with Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in 2021 to form AMOREM. ... Since the integration, she oversaw the building project for AMOREM’s palliative care center in Boone. She currently leads the building project for AMOREM’s patient care unit in Boone, set to open in early 2025. ... “The Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the hiring of April Moore as CEO of AMOREM,” AMOREM Board of Directors Chairman Jordan Greene ... “April has shown 20 years of leadership, dedication and love for our organization. Her commitment to the mission, vision and values of AMOREM is second to none. April is the definition of the hospice heart."

Celebrating growth: NPHI welcomes new members to its mission-driven family NPHI, Washington, DC; 7/15/24 The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for not-for-profit hospice and palliative care providers, is thrilled to announce the addition of several not-for-profit hospice organizations to its ever-growing community. Over the past year, the organization has experienced remarkable growth, underscoring its collective commitment and mission to providing the highest quality end-of-life care. ... [These include:] Byt The Bay Health; Blue Ridge Hospice; Center For Hospice Care; Community Nursing Services; Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; Hospice Austin; Hospice of Northwest Ohio; Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS); Hudson Valley Hospice; Hudson Valley Hospice; Kaua'i Hospice; Midland Care Connection; Navian Hawaii (formerly Hospice Hawaii); Sutter Care at Home; Tillery Compassionate Care. Notable Mentions: Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of NPHI and Carole Fisher, President of NPHI