More than four decades ago, a small group of Owensboro residents came together to ensure that no one in the community would have to die in pain or alone. From their efforts, Hospice of Western Kentucky was born.
At Trinity Episcopal Church, Rev. Gledon Coppick, Alice Bagot, Ann Greer, and Bea Lennox founded what was originally known as “The Hospice Association.” It was officially incorporated on July 7, 1980, and served its first patient two years later. For 12 years, the organization operated entirely through volunteer efforts before becoming Medicare-certified, allowing services to expand into Hancock, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties.
In October 2013, Hospice opened The Heartford House — the first free-standing inpatient hospice facility in Western Kentucky. The center provides around-the-clock care for patients who need more intensive symptom management than can be provided at home, offering an alternative to hospitalization in a peaceful, home-like setting.
Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, now often referred to as HPC, remains devoted to providing individualized end-of-life care.
“Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky offers a specialized service that focuses on providing individualized care to help people live with dignity through the final stages of life,” Marketing Director Hannah Cecil said. “Our dedicated staff works hard to provide excellent care. We serve patients from all walks of life and of all ages, including pediatrics. We are proud to say no one is ever turned away for their inability to pay.”
In addition to patient care, HPC offers bereavement services to families, including counseling and grief groups that are open to the entire community.
Cecil said being part of the Owensboro community is both rewarding and vital to its mission.
“Being a part of Owensboro is incredible because the community is so supportive of our mission,” she said. “We have a great group of volunteers who are integral to what we do. To help give back, we have a program called Hospice Cares, Hospice Gives. This program consists of staff members frequently participating in a volunteer capacity, whether that be collecting items for donation or serving at a local homeless shelter.”
Leaders at HPC also want to dispel misconceptions about what hospice care truly means.
“There is a stigma that hospice means giving up. This couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Cecil said. “Hospice helps individuals spend quality time with family and encourages them to live their life to the fullest. While we can’t add days to life, we can add life to days.”
Recently, the organization’s Board of Directors approved a new logo, marking a refreshed look while keeping the same mission and leadership.
“We will now be referred to as HPC, Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky,” she said. “We are still under the same leadership, same ownership, and are still providing the same great service! It was just time to refresh our look – so be on the lookout for our new logo.”
To celebrate Veterans Day, HPC will host a ceremony at 9 a.m. on November 10 at The Heartford House to unveil a new flagpole. Veterans and community members are invited to attend, with donuts and coffee provided.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times