Hospice of Michigan to Honor Michigan Veterans

Oct. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Medilodge, 631 Caring St. Veterans representing each of the military branches will be presented a certificate reflecting their branch of military service and an American flag pin honoring and thanking them for their military service.

“Many military veterans have never been formally thanked for their service to our country,” said Dr. Michael Paletta, executive director of the Maggie Allesee Center for Innovation within the Hospice of Michigan Institute. “Our pinning ceremonies not only bring dignity to this time of their lives by thanking them for serving their country, they also provide a good reminder for families and caregivers about how special these people are.”

Hospice of Michigan is a participant of the We Honor Veterans program, a partnership between the Veterans Administration and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, or NHPCO.  The program was developed to enhance care for veterans at the end of life and includes both educational and ceremonial elements.

Participating hospices receive training to recognize and treat the unique issues facing military families, provide access to community resources, and facilitate cooperation between VA health agencies and hospice services.  As a Level Four WHV partner, signifying the organization has met the highest standards set by the VA and NHPCO for this national program, HOM has trained its care teams in 56 counties across Michigan. Paletta, who is also a retired Colonel and flight surgeon, serves as the executive champion of We Honor Vets for Hospice of Michigan.

HOM’s pinning ceremonies are open to the public, and media are welcome to attend.

About Hospice of Michigan

A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state of Michigan.  The non-profit organization cares for more than 1,400 patients each day in 56 counties, raising more than $4 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured.  HOM offers innovative programs to enhance the quality of care for people at the end of life, education programs for physicians and healthcare professionals, caregiver education materials, cultural diversity programs for end-of-life care, and research and education programs at the Maggie Allesee Center for Quality of Life.  For more information, call Hospice of Michigan’s CARE Center 24/7 at 888.247.5701 or go to www.hom.org.