For the past six years, Gaston Hospice has participated in the national
We Honor Veterans program in order 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.
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.
In the spring of 2019, 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.
"The We Honor Veterans Program has brought so much to our facility
and given us a blueprint for how to honor and serve our local veteran
population," says, Katie Blackmon, Director of Hospice and Palliative
Care for CaroMont Health. "I am so proud of our staff's commitment
to these special patients and their work toward achieving the next level
of the program. For us, it's not only a good thing to do, but it's
the right thing to do."
To learn more about the We Honor Veterans program or volunteer opportunities
at Gaston Hospice, please call the volunteer coordinator’s office
at 704. 861.8405.