Submitted by Hospice of the Northwest Foundation.

The Trustees of the Hospice of the Northwest Foundation voted unanimously at its November board meeting to approve program funding requests from Hospice of the Northwest totaling $606,363. The foundation is able to fund these grants through donations of individuals and businesses in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Since 2001, the foundation has worked with donors and community members to enhance the end-of-life care Hospice of the Northwest provides. Because of donors, Hospice of the Northwest is able to deliver care that is focused on the quality of life and not solely the bottom line.

The 2020 Hospice requests include funding to support uncompensated patient care; non-routine patient care; clinical education and training; integrative therapies like massage and music; bereavement services; outreach and education; volunteer programs; veterans programs; and the purchase and maintenance of equipment and technology. Most significantly, these funds will fill the gap between what it costs to provide expert, dignified and compassionate end-of-life care, and what the agency is reimbursed through Medicare and other insurances for that care.

Foundation Executive Director Wendy Coates expressed gratitude to donors and supporters assuring them that their gifts, “Will ease pain, inspire compassion, provide dignity, touch hearts and make a difference to thousands of people in the communities Hospice of the Northwest serves.” She further expressed, “I am inspired by the generous support of this community as well as the dedication and experience of the foundation board, and I am grateful for the work of the hospice team.”