We Honor Veterans is a national campaign designed to engage and support community hospice and other
health care providers in better understanding and addressing Veterans’ needs at the end of life.
In September 2010, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of
Veteran Affairs launched WHV to address the growing need for Veteran-centered care, especially as the need for
access to hospice and palliative care by the aging Veterans population was growing.
Since its inception, WHV has successfully grown to include the involvement of over half of the hospice
community nationwide, the fastest growing program in the history of NHPCO – and now extends its efforts
to include non-hospice community health care providers.
The goals of WHV are to:
1. Promote Veteran-centric educational activities,
2. Increase organizational capacity to serve Veterans,
3. Support development of strategic partnerships, and
4. Increase access to hospice and palliative care for Veterans.
WHV provides education, resources, and technical assistance to educate hospice and other health care
professionals caring for Veterans, including those whose military service, combat experience, or other traumatic
events may come to light during their dying process.
By recognizing the unique needs of America’s Veterans and their families, hospices can accompany and guide them through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.
Pinning Ceremonies
During the admission process, patients who identify as veterans are offered a pinning ceremony in recognition of their service to our Country. Veteran volunteers don their uniforms to present the patient with a pin, certificate and render a hand salute. Some patients elect to keep the ceremony small with the veteran volunteer, Hospice staff and a few family members. Others have used it as an opportunity for a great celebration with a large gathering of family and friends. As each patient’s experience in the military is different, so is their preference for a pinning ceremony. Large or small, every ceremony is equally moving.
Vet to Vet Volunteers
This program works to pair a veteran volunteer with hospice patients who have military experience. These special volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each patient creating a comfortable environment to share stories many family members may not have heard. Veteran volunteers can participate in the Vet to Vet program in many capacities including performing pinning ceremonies, offering life review, providing companionship and support in various other ways. The camaraderie established with service to our Country has proven to be essential in the care provided to veterans at the end of life.
For more information on the We Honor Veterans program, contact Samantha Jones at 315-265-3105 or samj@hospiceslv.org
315-265-3105