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Giving back to local veterans

Gaston Gazette - 11/22/2019

For the past five years, Gaston Hospice has participated in the national We Honor Veterans program to best guide patients with military experience through their end-of-life care.

The program is the result of a collaboration between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Participating local hospice organizations, like Gaston Hospice, must demonstrate a systematic effort and commitment to providing specialized care for veterans in order to be designated as a "Partner" under the program.

"We felt strongly this program was important to offer our veteran patient population," said Richard Lahm, executive director of Gaston Hospice. "These individuals are heroes who have dedicated their lives to this country and we want to commit to serving them in return. Our designation under the We Honor Veterans program means that we are better able to offer specialized care and meet their individual needs and the needs of their families."

In order for a hospice program to qualify and become a Partner under the program, specific activities and services must be offered, including training and processes for staff to identify patients with military experience.

Once a veteran is identified at Gaston Hospice, the clinical staff will hold a small recognition ceremony for that patient and their loved ones. The patient is presented with a certificate of honor, a United States flag pin and a handmade veteran's quilt designed and created by Gaston Hospice volunteers, Julie Steele and her husband, Beau. Both Steeles are veterans themselves.

"It's a small gesture considering what these individuals have done for this country, and we just want to give back," says Steele. "As a veteran, I appreciate businesses that work to acknowledge and honor on the sacrifices that military members and their families make. As a hospice volunteer, I know this is a difficult time for patients and for their families and that is why we are here. Being able to offer support and recognition can make a real difference."

This spring, Gaston Hospice became a Level Two Partner in the We Honor Veterans program. This level requires Partners to not only identify patients with military experience, but conduct veteran-specific outreach in the community.

At Gaston Hospice, a volunteer to veteran pairing program called "Vet to Vet" serves as a way to connect patients with volunteer veteran community members. Once paired, the veterans are able to use their time together to connect through shared experience.

"Being a part of this program has been really special," says Lahm. "Our staff has already been working toward achieving the next step in the program. I would say as an organization, we are committed to doing the best we can for our local veteran population because really, it's the right thing to do."

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(c)2019 Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C.

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