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Appropriately, the month of the year in which all 50 of the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving, has also been designated as National Hospice Month. While the term Hospice Care conjures up thoughts of death and dying, here in Alaska, Hospice of the Central Peninsula will be going out into the local community with homemade cookies and flyers to show their appreciation for our doctors, nurses, and health care providers. "It is true that Hospice will accept a case when a person is considered to be in their last six months of life. However, sometimes a person in Hospice care does make a recovery in which case Hospice will simply and happily close the case," Gail Kennedy, bereavement coordinator at Hospice of the Central Peninsula, told the Dispatch. While most people have heard of the wonderful organization of Hospice, a lot of people aren't exactly sure what Hospice does, and if and when they should be called. So Hospice volunteers plan to be increasing awareness of those issues during National Hospice month says Kennedy. "We're going out to speak at schools and colleges, and anywhere we're invited, to unveil what Hospice truly means and what services we provide in the community. We want the term Hospice to become something friendly and not scary," she said.

Hospice is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the Central Peninsula, and offers a variety of opportunities for those interested. "We are very dependant on our volunteers," says volunteer coordinator Melany Derit. "My volunteers are the ones who give their hearts to our clients, whether its going to them at Heritage Place, or to the client's home. And of course, they help out with a great deal of work here at the office." Derit explained. Hospice of the Central Peninsula offers 23 hours of volunteer training every October where those with no prior experience can learn the skills necessary to be a Hospice volunteer. Hospice care may be provided in a patient's home, hospital, nursing home, adult care homes, and nursing facilities. Hospice also trains family members and caregivers to provide care for the patient, along with scheduled volunteer visits.

One of the newer Hospice programs that the local organization is especially proud of, is called Camp Mend-A-Heart. The program is now in its second year, and is a camp that offers a unique, cost-free opportunity for youth who have experienced the loss of a family member or loved one, to gather together in a fun setting. "Due to the success of our annual disc golf tournament, nineteen local campers ages 6-12, enjoyed a supportive environment in which they freely expressed their feelings about the loss of a loved one through art, music and other activities. Our camp was everything we hoped and trained for. Friendships and memories were made forever," said Kennedy. Following National Hospice month, Hospice of the Central Peninsula will sponsor a no-host dinner at Forsos in Soldotna, called "Coping with the Holidays." "It can be a difficult time of the year for those who have suffered a recent loss, and we invite anyone interested to drop by, or call us at 262-0453 so we'll know how many to count on," added Kennedy. During National Hospice Month, Kennedy encourages people of all ages to find out more about local Hospice services. "We start loosing things early in life, whether it's a parent or grandparent, sibling or pet, so we feel Hospice is here for the young as well as the mature. I know when I lost a child, I didn't realize how much support there was available here locally, and it's so important to have people to walk alongside of you when the shock wears off and life goes on." said Kennedy. For more information about Hospice call 262-0453 or stop by the Hospice office in the same office as Bridges next door to Acapulco Restaurant on the Sterling Highway just before the Soldotna Bridge.