The NHPCO National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization put out a memorial day press release reminding people of the unique needs of Veterans on hospice. Five years ago the organization recognized the necessity for an enhanced educational and awareness program to help providers better care for Veteran hospice patients. The "We Honor Veterans." program was born and it allowed hospice providers an opportunity to partner with NHPCO to achieve a higher and more relevant level of care for their Veteran patients.

The program has four partnership levels with educational benchmarks and practices required to advance to each level. The partnership allows hospice companies an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the special considerations and practices involved when caring for the Veteran.

Agapé Hospice, one of the largest hospice providers in South Carolina was already caring for many veterans inside and outside of its communities at the time and welcomed the new program with open arms. "Our veterans and their families sacrificed so much for our freedom. Agape Hospice is proud to be a significant part of the We Honor Veterans national initiative, affording us the opportunity to better serve those who gave so much for our country." stated Theresa Younis, COO for Agapé Senior.

Agapé instituted a program within its online employee training system, Agapé University, to meet the educational goals of "We Honor Veterans." The company today is a level three partner and hopes to achieve the fourth level soon.

Donald Schumacher, NHPCO President and CEO stated "Our Veterans deserve support and recognition of their service and the losses they may have experienced. Memorial Day can be a time to reach out to acknowledge all they've given and celebrate our national pride."

So on this memorial day we honor those men and women that paid the ultimate price for our freedom. And we are thankful and honored to have the opportunity to be of service to the Veterans that made it back and need our help today.