(Photo courtesy of Partners in Care)
Partners In Care, Central Oregon’s provider of hospice care, has launched a new supporting organization called Friends of Hospice. At its helm is Board Chair Linda Stelle, president Emeritus of Bend-based AmeriTitle.
Friends of Hospice incorporated in 2015 and received its tax-exempt status last December. A nine-member board includes Stelle as well as Sandy Garner, Cynthia Bassett, Carolyn Payne, Danny Long, Ronnie Harrelson, Corinne Martinez, Angela Vanderpool and Linda Cohen. It is funded primarily through an annual subscription membership of $25 per household. Members support the hospice philosophy of care through their giving, volunteerism, community education and advocacy.
“Even though death is a fixed certainty in our lives, we aim to help take the mystery out of the dying process by openly discussing vital topics of interest to people of any age—well before hospice care is needed,” said Stelle. “All of our activities will center on helping Central Oregonians understand the aging process and prepare for what is often called ‘a good death.'”
The primary focus of Friends of Hospice is public information and education. Four words comprise their messaging platform: Talk Plan Learn and Live. The first educational opportunity is an eight-week workshop called Conscious Aging that will meet weekly at Partners In Care beginning in early May. Additionally, a ‘Happy Hour’ conversation group called Fourth Friday with Friends will begin April 22 for new and prospective members.
Membership benefits include access to all community education programs and events sponsored by Friends of Hospice as well as Partners In Care; discounts and special offers from area businesses; and a free InfoChat phone line to discuss end-of-life issues. Membership gifts and other donations will help support Hospice House, the only hospice in-patient facility in Oregon east of the Cascades.
According to Partners In Care CEO Eric Alexander, “Friends of Hospice will play an important role in contributing to a greater understanding of the issues around death and dying in our region. We are eager to welcome people to this new supporting organization where many important conversations will take place.”
By Marlene Carlson, director of development and communications at Partners In Care and liaison to the board of Friends of Hospice. Information on memberships and cause marketing opportunities with Friends of Hospice may be found at FriendsofHospiceOregon.org.
