Hospice Demonstrates Commitment During COVID-19 Pandemic

For Immediate Release:
June 15, 2020

Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. Demonstrates Commitment
to Serving Patients during Coronavirus Pandemic

Newburgh, NY –  Hospice of Orange and Sullivan joins hundreds of hospice and community-based palliative care provider members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in adding their name to the national Commitment to Care sign-on letter. This letter demonstrates a groundswell of support from hospice and palliative care providers who are committed to serving patients and families impacted by COVID-19.

The Commitment to Care letter reads in part:

Patients impacted by the coronavirus rely on the interdisciplinary, person-centered care that the community-based hospice and palliative community provide. The hospice philosophy of care focuses on caring for the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and is provided by an interdisciplinary team comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides, chaplains, bereavement professionals, volunteers, and allied therapists. As more hospitals reach maximum capacity, patients continue to be discharged back into the community and the demand for symptom management and emotional and spiritual support grows.

Hospice of Orange and Sullivan has taken these steps relative to the public health crisis by  providing both a community bereavement online support group and video seminar.  Comfort in the Storm on line support group for those dealing with a loss due to COVID-19 and Pressing Through Together. a video seminar,  caring for COVID-19 positive patients, offering virtual or personal care for current patients, and offering support for local health care workers. “We are always aware of how much our community depends on us to provide the care and support they need at the most difficult time,” said Dan Grady, HOSC President and CEO. “We will continue to provide this care and support in every way possible.”

“I am proud that so many NHPCO members have been stepping forward to care for patients impacted by COVID-19 during this public health crisis. The hospice and palliative care community has faced similar unknowns in the past with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We did not run away during uncertain times – instead, we chose to care for patients in need with honor and respect, and we will continue to fulfill that mission today,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach.

More information about hospice and advance care planning is available at HospiceofOrange.com

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Janice Valentino
Director of Marketing and Community Outreach
845-561-6111  [email protected]