Submitted by the 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 $501,003. The Hospice of the Northwest Foundation is able to fund these grants through the generous donations of individuals and businesses.

Since 2001, the foundation has worked with donors and community members to enhance the end-of-life care Hospice of the Northwest provides in Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish counties. Because of donors, programs like community bereavement, therapeutic massage and music, and direct patient assistance enhance the quality of life at the end-of-life.

Next year’s funding will 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 provide programs and additional care beyond what the agency is required to provide and reimbursed for through Medicare and other insurance.

Foundation Executive Director Wendy Coates expressed gratitude to donors and supporters, assuring them that their gifts, “Will ease pain, nurture compassion and dignity, touch hearts, and make a difference to thousands of people in the communities Hospice of the Northwest serves.” She further stated, “I am inspired by the generous support of our community as well as the commitment of the HNW Foundation Board.”