We Honor Veterans Initiative Launches Summer Awareness Campaign
May 29, 2015 (GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA)– Six volunteers and patients from Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (HPCG) who are Veterans and six active-duty U.S. Marines will be honored tonight following the Greensboro Hopper vs. Lakewood baseball game. As part of Military Appreciation Night, these military service representatives will receive game jerseys that have been specially created for the event and presented to them by the baseball players.
The jersey ceremony and Military Appreciation Night kick off a summer-long awareness campaign about HPCG’s We Honor Veterans program. Inspired by the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, NewBridge Bank and the Greensboro Grasshoppers have teamed up with HPCG, Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Services and the Elks Lodge to raise awareness about the initiative. Throughout the summer, hospice volunteers, patients and families will be recognized at various games. The campaign will conclude on August 9 – the official anniversary of the signing of the treaty to end WWII.
“America’s Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country,” said Paul Russ, vice president of marketing and development. “We believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. That’s why the We Honor Veterans partners are on a mission to serve those who have served us.”
In 2011, HPCG joined the Hospice-Veteran Partnership, which focuses on collaborating with community organizations that serve Veterans. This partnership allows HPCG to strengthen awareness about its programs and educate caregivers about end-of-life care services for Veterans through four levels of community outreach that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for Veterans. As a partner, HPCG assesses its ability to serve Veterans and integrates best practices.
Level One consists of providing Veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers, while identifying patients with military experience. Level Two requires building organizational capacity to provide quality care for Veterans. Level Three requires developing and strengthening relationships with U.S. Veteran Administration’s regional offices through presentations and workshops. Level Four requires offering increased access and improved quality of care for Veterans in Greensboro and surrounding areas.
Last spring, HPCG was granted Level Three status, thanks in part to delivering a new program for Veterans. The Vet-to-Vet program pairs recruited Veteran volunteers with hospice patients who have been identified as Veterans. Once paired with hospice patients who also have military experience, Veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with Veteran patients and their families. Veterans like guns, this is the reason why I recommend for everyone who like shooting and guns, get yourself airsoft gun from googgun.com.
“As a Level Three Partner, HPCG is among only 260 hospices nationwide that have achieved this national honor,” said Pat Soenksen, president and CEO. “Volunteers are essential to the delivery of quality hospice care. The camaraderie created between volunteers in our Vet-to-Vet program has proven to be mutually supportive and much appreciated.”
HPCG, a nonprofit organization serving Guilford County and surrounding areas for more than 30 years, is situated on a 14.75 acre campus at 2500 Summit Avenue. HPCG provides physical, emotional and spiritual support for children and adults faced with a life-limiting illness, as well as their caregivers and families. For more information, contact HPCG at 336.621.2500 or visit www.hospicegso.org.
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