A Tradition of Compassionate Hospice Care
FirstHealth Hospice has been an illustration of servant leadership in the community since 1996. Hospice is a specialized form of care that seeks to provide comfort at the end of life, alleviating pain and other symptoms, while delivering care with dignity.
With dedicated team members and compassionate volunteers, FirstHealth Hospice is continuously working to maximize the care we offer our patients.
A Program Built on Shared Service and Understanding
Some patients may thrive in a more specialized experience, which is why the We Honor Veterans program was started at FirstHealth Hospice in July 2014. The program pairs a former or active service member with a veteran patient, helping the patient build a special connection and foster trust.
Kerry Mlynczak, the volunteer services manager for FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, explained what makes the program unique.
“This is a truly special program designed specifically to honor and support our veteran patients,” she said. “The connections formed between volunteers and patients are deeply meaningful. We make an intentional effort to pair volunteers with veterans from similar branches or backgrounds, helping foster a unique camaraderie rooted in shared experience and understanding.”
One of those volunteers is Vinette Gordon. After retiring from 30 years of military service, she was inspired to start volunteering to help fellow veterans at FirstHealth Hospice.
“When I am sitting with another veteran, I recognize that we’ve both worn the cloth of this nation,” Gordon said. “I can understand the sacrifices they’ve made, the joy they felt seeing their family after deployment. It makes it easier for us to bond.”
She typically visits her patients once a week and spends about 20-30 minutes with them. There are lots of different things she does with her patients, including singing, crafting and reading. But whether she’s browsing Pinestraw magazine with her patient or listening to a former World War II pilot tell an epic story, she has found excitement and purpose through FirstHealth Hospice.
“I’m motivated by the hand squeezes and smiles,” she said. “The relationships you can build and the opportunities to learn here are priceless.”
Supportive Leadership That Makes a Difference
While Gordon has found that many patients are jovial and ready to interact, there have been instances where patients are struggling. She said the supportive leadership at FirstHealth Hospice has made all the difference in navigating those difficult times. Through support group meetings and check-ins from managers, she said the team takes care of each other.
“If there is one thing that people need to know about this program, it’s that the leadership is stellar. They will always be there to support you if you’re having a difficult time,” she said.
How to Get Involved
Hospice started as a grassroots organization, and this historical tradition is reflected in its use of volunteers. According to Mlynczak, active or former service members have a direct impact on the comfort, happiness and engagement of veteran patients.
“For service members and veterans who have already demonstrated their unwavering commitment to serving others, we, at FirstHealth Hospice, can provide the opportunity to support fellow veterans in a deeply meaningful and fulfilling way,” she said. “Your experience, your presence and your compassion can offer peace, comfort and dignity to a veteran patient in their final days.”
Hospice volunteers complete 12 hours of online training and agree to serve at least two hours per week. Flexible schedules and assignments are available.
Call our volunteer coordinators at (910) 715-6000 to learn more about volunteer opportunities with FirstHealth Hospice.
