FALL 2021
Whatcom Hospice Reaches New Level of National Veterans Program We all need to hear “thank you” and it is never more important than at the end of life. We are proud to announce that Whatcom Hospice is now a Level 3 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This progression demonstrates Whatcom Hospice’s high level of commitment to Veteran-centric care, which includes special recognition for Veteran patients, a Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer program, staff training on conflict-specific medical and mental health concerns, and knowledge to assist Veterans in navigating VA benefits.
with a certificate of appreciation and an American flag pin, Ray’s face lit up with pride. He grabbed the hand of the hospice chaplain and said, “Thank you. That meant so much to me.”
The program has been helpful to patients like Raymond Olson (pictured above), who was born in Whatcom County, enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. His daughter, Joan Jones, who cared for Ray at home in his final days, was so grateful to gather family members at Ray’s bedside for a special “pinning ceremony” performed by our uniformed military volunteer, Dave Magelssen. After being presented
“We find that many of our Veteran patients feel underappreciated for their service, which was often very difficult,” says Chaplain Jennifer MacDonald. “Being acknowledged has a profound impact that you can see in patients’ faces. It’s like a healing happens,” she said. Since partnering with We Honor Veterans in 2012, Whatcom Hospice staff and volunteers have performed more than 420 service recognition pinning ceremonies.
Whatcom Hospice also has a Veteranto-Veteran volunteer program, with five Veteran volunteers who are available to serve Veteran patients upon request. Whenever possible, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Amie Carr tries to pair Veteran volunteers with patients who served in the same branch of service. Patients and family members are very appreciative of these volunteers, who have a unique ability to bond with Veteran patients, reminding them of a brotherhood they cherished. After the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, we hope to further strengthen the Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer program by training and onboarding more Veteran volunteers to support patients directly or to participate in pinning ceremonies. As a Whatcom Hospice Foundation donor, you are helping to support the We Honor Veterans program. Thank you for caring for these very special and deserving members of our community! Learn more about the national program at www.WeHonorVeterans.org.