Brookings Health System’s Hospice Achieves Level Two Status in We Honor Veterans Program

Brookings Health System’s hospice program recently achieved level two status in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) We Honor Veterans program. They are currently the only hospice provider in South Dakota to reach level two status.

“Hospice professionals focus on providing comfort and support at the end of life,” said Home Health and Hospice Director Lynne Kaufmann. “Veterans facing the end of life have a unique set of needs, which is why Brookings Health System participates in the We Honor Veterans program. The program provides us resources to educate our staff and volunteers on how to honor, respect and welcome home veterans facing the end of life.”

Brookings Health System was recruited by NHPCO to participate in the campaign in 2010 and achieved level one status in 2011. To achieve level two status, Brookings Health System’s hospice program conducted veteran-specific presentations for staff and veteran organizations, integrated Veteran-specific content into orientation materials, processes and procedures for staff and volunteers, and established relationships with Veteran Affairs organizations. Staff and volunteers of Brookings Health System’s hospice will now focus on achieving level three status within the program.

NHPCO, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), launched We Honor Veterans in October 2010. The pioneering campaign aims to improve the care veterans receive from hospice providers and empowers hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans.

The program teaches respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement to comfort patients with a history of military service and possible physical or psychological trauma. It also provides practical resources, including downloadable forms and descriptions of veteran benefits.

Brookings Health System’s hospice program is one component of organization’s home services. For more information on home health and hospice, or to request services, call (605) 696-7700 or visit brookingshealth.org/Hospice.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.