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With its location at 407 Shoppers Drive, Hospice East has been providing compassionate quality care services to the Winchester community for multiple years. 

As they are recognized, the nonprofit organization also gives back to the community in more ways than one. 

During the first full week of November, the organization recognized and celebrated National Hospice Palliative Care Month while also hosting a Veterans Appreciation Lunch. 

“We want to educate people,” said Cristy Davis, a financial assistant with Hospice East. “We want to bring awareness [to] what hospice is for and what palliative care is for.” 

According to the organization’s website at https://hospiceeast.com/what-we-do/, “hospice care refers to care for the patient whose terminal illness is no longer being aggressively treated.” 

Its website also stated how its palliative care services came to be. 

“In 2016, we recognised a need to provide care for chronically ill patients who were not appropriate for hospice care.” it stated. “Hospice East created a new program, Palliative Care Partners[,] to provide care for these patients who are homebound and need help managing symptoms of chronic illness.” 

In a proclamation signed and presented to the organization on Monday, November 4, by Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates, several points were declared. 

“Hospice and palliative care empower people to live as fully as possible, surrounded by family and loved ones,” stated one portion of the proclamation. “Through pain management and symptom control, caregiver training and assistance, and emotional and spiritual support, [it] allows patients to live fully and make more meaningful moments until the end.” 

Nationally, it’s estimated that hospice programs save more than $2 billion yearly by providing solutions for physicians, tends to nearly 1.5 million Americans living with life-limiting illness, and feature more than 400,000 trained volunteers contributing 19 million hours of service. 

“Between three counties with palliative [care services]…we serve…close to 100 palliative [clients],” said Charity Pinkerton, Administrative Assistant. “For hospice, we [serve] probably 50 people in Clark County.” 

On Thursday, November 7, the organization then held its annual Veterans Appreciation Lunch. 

Among those to visit was former Winchester Mayor and military veteran Ed Burtner. 

Several veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs were also bussed to the location. 

“It’s one of the best events that we do,” said Clinical Director Jennifer Patrick, noting that the meal included barbecue, coleslaw, chips, and cupcakes. “It’s just a pleasure to have all the veterans here [and] to thank them for their service.” 

Regina Prewitt, who currently works as a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, spent over 30 years in military service and offered perspective. 

“It makes me so proud just to be a part of it,” she said. “I enjoy interacting with all the veterans that come here.” 

With Veterans Day occurring on Monday, November 11, it will surely be one of many such events in Clark County.