NORWICH – Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County recently achieved level four status in the We Honor Veterans program, and is the first hospice in New York State to do so.

Chenango Hospice's efforts are part of the larger We Honor Veterans program that was established by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the US Department of Veterans Affairs in order to more actively meet the needs of veterans by providing care that is targeted specifically to veterans.

“By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, We Honor Veteran level four partners are better able to accompany and guide veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending,” said NHPCO President and Chief Executive Office, J. Donald Schumacher. “In cases where there might be some specific needs related to the veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, these partners are now capable of providing tools to help support those they are caring for.”

Only 25 percent of veterans die in the Veterans Affairs system, which is why agencies such as Chenango Hospice are working to meet the needs of veterans.

Chenango Hospice has been working towards achieving level four status since 2011, and has either met or exceeded the requirements. The first level requires educating hospice staff about specific end-of-life issues faced by veterans. Numerous veteran service organizations, as well as veterans, came to educate the staff.