The Denver Hospice Reaches Highest Level in National Veteran Hospice Care Program and Partners with Wish of a Lifetime to Deliver Roses to Seniors this Valentine’s Day

Staff and volunteers deliver Valentine’s Day roses to residents of Veterans Community Living Center

DENVER – The Denver Hospice has become the first Colorado hospice and palliative care center to be recognized as a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

To honor local veterans, The Denver Hospice staff and volunteers helped deliver 150 roses to residents at the Veterans Community Living Center in Aurora on Valentine’s Day. They brought conversation and warmth to show their appreciation to residents for their service to the nation.

“This honor is a recognition of the exceptional care and support our committed staff members give to veterans day in and day out, and it is important to us to celebrate this recognition alongside our veterans,” said Melinda Egging, president of The Denver Hospice and Optio Health Services, who delivered roses Friday.

“We are excited to continue this level of care and reaffirm our commitment to exemplary veteran care in our hospice and palliative care programs. Our veterans were there for our country and we are committed to be there for them,” she said.

Volunteers and staff with The Denver Hospice also brought roses and human connection to residents at Arbor View Senior Living Center in Arvada that same day. Dennis Rodriguez of Denver Hospice described to local NBC affiliate 9News the importance of spending time with seniors.

Level 5 is the highest level We Honor Veterans partners can attain and includes several new required activities and yearly recertification.

As a partner, The Denver Hospice provides specialized care to veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness. Aside from existing partner requirements, Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners take on the role of regional mentor to other We Honor Veterans partners working to enhance their programs.

“When we set out to create the Level 5 program, we knew that it had to be different to truly showcase the efforts needed to go above and beyond. Not only have you demonstrated your commitment, but you have helped shape the program and have continued as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be,” said NHPCO President & CEO Edo Banach.

NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs launched We Honor Veterans in 2010 to address the growing need for veteran-centered care, especially as Veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care.

Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program at www.WeHonorVeterans.org.

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