Story Category: Healthnet »

It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the US are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Calvert Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

At a recent We Honor Veterans ceremony conducted by Major Laughhunn in conjunction with Calvert Hospice the service of Arthur. Owsianny who served during World War II was honored.  Mr. Owsianny was presented with a certificate and a pin honoring his many contributions to his country in wartime. Mr. Owsianny made 33 bombing missions over Germany during World War II.

As part of the We Honor Veterans program, Calvert Hospice will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for staff and volunteers to improve the care they provide to the Veterans they proudly service. The nation is seeing many of the Veterans who served in World War II and Korea pass away – and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.

The We Honor Veterans campaign provides tiered recognition to organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for Veterans. “Partners” can assess their ability to serve Veterans and, using resources provided as part of the campaign, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to Veterans into their organization. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Calvert Hospice is better able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. And in cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, Calvert Hospice will find tools to help support those they are caring for.

“All hospices are serving Veterans but often aren’t aware of that person’s service in the armed forces,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping hospice and palliative care providers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life and work more effectively with VA medical facilities in their communities.”

“VA shares a common goal with our nation’s hospices, and that is to provide the best possible care specifically tailored for Veterans. As we focus on working together and unite our services and skills, We Honor Veterans will channel our combined strengths directly to Veterans – wherever they are receiving care.”

The resources of We Honor Veterans focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement, coupled with Veteran-centric education of staff caring for Veterans. To learn more about We Honor Veterans please visit www.wehonorveterans.org or www.calverthospice.org. Contact us at 410-535-0892 if you know a Veteran with a life limiting illness that would benefit from Hospice services.

“America’s Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome.

Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve,” added Schumacher. Calvert Hospice has been serving the community since 1984 providing bereavement programs, counseling and hospice care regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. If you or someone you know wants to learn more about hospice care please call 410-535-0892 for more information.

Photo Captions: Picture #1467 – Left to Right:  Major Linzy Laughhunn, USAF ANG NGB/HC; Gerry Headley, Calvert Hospice Chaplain; Arthur Owsianny, WWII vet, belly gunner/B-17. Picture #1464 is a shot of one of Mr. Owsianny’s 5 Air Medals given for campaigns
over Germany.