Tiffin and Seneca County have the good fortune of having many agencies that work together for the common good of the citizens. Community Hospice Care is one of these organizations. I have the privilege of serving on the board of directors for Community Hospice Care, recently completing two years as the president.
Community Hospice Care has provided compassionate and quality end-of-life care to the people of Seneca County and the surrounding area since 1983. Community Hospice Care's mission statement clearly identifies the philosophy and purpose of the organization. That statement is: "Conduct a comprehensive family-oriented, physician-directed hospice program for the care of persons suffering from terminal diseases and their families. To promote a partnership between the health care community and the people of Seneca County and its environs aimed at meeting the needs for hospice care, utilizing an interdisciplinary, family-centered approach, which is cost-effective. To organize a network of hospice services in Seneca County. To provide education to physicians, nurses, social workers, religious advisors and auxiliary and allied health care personnel regarding the care of the terminally ill and their families. Offer educational opportunities in hospice care, the death and dying process and symptom and pain control."
A core group of registered professional nurses, hospice care aides, social workers, grief counselors and office staff are supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, all committed to providing compassionate care. Hospice care is provided regardless of the patient's ability to pay. No patient is ever balance-billed.
As a non-profit organization, Community Hospice Care could not serve all in need or our care without donations, grants and fundraisers. Private donations and memorials are a frequent source of funding. Grants from various sources provide an integral funding source as well. Fundraising events, such as the Festival of Trees, Add-a-Bow Christmas project, the traditional Duck Waddle, Baumann auto raffle and other events are just a few. The help of our faithful volunteers and the support of the community contribute to the success of these efforts, thus making Community Hospice Care services accessible to all.
In addition to the fund raising efforts, Community Hospice Care receives funds from the United Way. Funding from the United Way is key to continuing Community Hospice Care's practice of never billing the patient. Your support of United Way helps to make this possible. Every donation to United Way helps to improve the quality of life for the people of Tiffin and Seneca County. Won't you consider giving to this worthwhile cause?
Paula J. Karr, RN,
past-president,
Community Hospice Care
