NHPCO Celebrates Hospice Volunteers

Appreciation goes out to all hospice and palliative care volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 15 – 21

Thirty years ago, the legislation creating the Medicare hospice benefit was passed, enabling tens of millions of Americans to avail themselves of the highest quality care at life’s end from the nation’s dedicated hospice community. Additionally, this federal legislation created one of the most compassionate corps of trained volunteers seen anywhere in the healthcare community.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the National Hospice Foundation, FHSSA, and the Hospice Action Network are honoring the hospice and palliative care volunteers who bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness.

NHPCO reports that in 2012, an estimated 458,000 hospice volunteers provided more than 21 million hours of service to hospice programs.

NHPCO would like to share a slide show presentation posted on YouTube honoring the work of volunteers with photos provided by our members.

Our deep appreciation goes out to every hospice and palliative care volunteer, not just this week but every week of the year.