More than 1,200 hospice programs throughout the United States participate in the We Honor Veterans movement. There are four levels in the program, with only 43 hospices having reached Level 3 status, and nine reaching the pinnacle Level 4. Gulfside Regional Hospice is the highest-level hospice in the Tampa Bay area now.

“It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the United States are veterans,” said Linda Ward, Gulfside’s president and CEO. “Through this program, we are providing our veterans specialized end-of-life care for unique issues they might face, including post traumatic stress syndrome.”

In order reach Level 3 status in the We Honor Veterans program, Gulfside Regional Hospice had to meet stringent requirements that will improve care to veterans including:
· Continually educating staff about veteran-specific issues
· Integrating veteran content in both staff and volunteer orientations
· Usage of a military history checklist during the admissions process
· Developing, implementing and evaluating procedures for helping to assist veterans and their families receive veteran benefits

Gulfside has also integrated a special pinning ceremony into its care for veterans. “The pinning ceremony is so poignant,” said Ward. “I have attended several at Gulfside’s Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills and the entire group of Gulfside staff usually end in tears because they are so moving, recognizing the special service to our country that patient made.”

Since Gulfside began the We Honor Veterans program in June 2011, more than 105 veterans have been served through it. For more information about the We Honor Veterans program or to schedule a speaker on the topic, call Tracey Doyle, RN, BA, at 727-845-5707.

Gulfside Regional Hospice, established as a nonprofit corporation in Pasco County in 1988 and initially licensed in 1989, serves more than 300 patients daily. GRH employs over 250 professionals and has more than 550 volunteers, and is the only hospice that serves Pasco County exclusively. Gulfside Regional Hospice was selected the 2011 Non-profit of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. For more information about Gulfside Regional Hospice, call 727-845-5707 or visit www.GRHospice.org.