CentraCare Hospice Reaches Highest Level of National Program to Provide Veteran-Centric Hospice Care

CentraCare Hospice is thrilled to announce it is now a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Level 5 is the highest level WHV Partners can attain. This Level 5 Partner distinction makes CentraCare Hospice the only hospice agency in Minnesota to have achieved this ranking.

The goal of the We Honor Veterans program is simple – to care for and honor those who have served when they reach the end of life. There are five levels to the WHV program, with each level having increasing requirements that need to be attained. Each of the program level requirements becomes progressively complex. Achieving Level 5 designation requires countless hours of teamwork by the CentraCare Hospice WHV Council and hospice staff caring for veterans at end of life.

“Achieving Level 5 WHV designation is a testament to our staff’s commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients and their families, especially at end of life,” said Kristy Husen, Senior Director of CentraCare Home Health & Hospice. “Serving our nation’s Veterans is truly an honor. It’s only fitting that the first Medicare certified hospice agency in Minnesota is also breaking ground as the only hospice agency in Minnesota, currently at Level 5 status.”

“When we set out to create the Level 5 WHV program, we knew it had to be rigorous to ensure partners who earned the title were truly delivering a better care experience for Veteran patients and their loved ones,” said NHPCO Senior Director of Veteran Services, Katherine Kemp. “Level 5 partners have truly demonstrated their commitment to the Veteran community and serve as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be.”

As the daughter of a veteran, Brenda Jacobson recalls the impact the WHV program had on her father and her family as he entered hospice care, including the We Honor Veteran Salute:

“My dad had an impressive 23-year career with the Navy and served around the world, in Cairo, Rome, Greece and Bermuda, not to mention sailing nearly every sea as a Chief Petty Officer. Our family is extremely proud of his service to our country and has inspired others in our family to serve as well. When he entered hospice care with CentraCare, we immediately requested the We Honor Veterans service for our dad. The respect and honor shown to my dad with the certificate, the embroidered pillowcase, and especially the pinning by my brother who served 26 years in the Air Force, was so meaningful to us. The best part was seeing dad’s entire face light up as the guitarist played Anchors Away and we all sang to him. It was the biggest smile we had seen in a long time. The Salute was such an important part of our hospice journey, and we are grateful for CentraCare Hospice and the donors who support this special program.”

Learn more about CentraCare’s We Honor Veterans program.

Photo Caption: Frank Kaufman, retired Chief Petty Officer with 23 years of service in the U.S. Navy, receives a pin during a Veteran pinning ceremony, from his son, Bryan Kaufman, retired officer with 26 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.