INDIANAPOLIS
– An estimated 25 percent of those who die every year in the United States are
military veterans, many of whom are among the dwindling ranks of those who
served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
To
help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by
these men and women, Franciscan VNS, St.
Francis Hospice,
has become a national partner of We Honor
Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative
Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
As
a partner, VNS St. Francis Hospice is implementing ongoing veteran-centered
education for its staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to
the veterans they proudly serve. This
campaign provides tiered recognition to
organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improve care for veterans,
using resources to integrate best practices.
“By recognizing the unique needs of our
nation’s veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, we are better able to
accompany and guide these former service members and their families toward a
more peaceful ending,” said VNS Manager Caroline Brackin, RN. “In cases where
there might be some specific needs related to a veteran’s military and combat
experience, we will find tools to help support them.”
“All hospices are serving veterans
but often aren’t aware of that person’s service in the armed forces,” said J.
Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and
CEO. “Through We Honor Veterans we
are taking a giant step forward in helping hospice and palliative care
providers and work more effectively with VA medical facilities in their
communities.”
The resources of We Honor Veterans focus on respectful
inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, coupled with focused
education of health care staff caring for veterans.
To learn more about We Honor Veterans or to support this
important work via a secure, online donation, please visit www.wehonorveterans.org.
