Hospice of North Idaho honored

COEUR d'ALENE - Awarded for excellence.

The Regence Foundation honored Hospice of North Idaho by bestowing its Sojourns Award for the local chapter's leadership and innovation in advancing palliative care in Idaho.

The award includes a $50,000 grant to support its continued advancement of the cause, which could help bring the facility an additional physician as it continues to provide quality end-of-life care.

Paul Weil, HONI executive director, called the recognition an honor.

"It is an honor for Hospice of North Idaho to be recognized for its efforts to improve palliative care," he said. "The programs we have initiated either on our own or in collaboration with others is changing the way health care is being delivered at the end of life by facilitating a patient's understanding of their diagnosis and prognosis, clarifying priorities and promoting informed choices in establishing patient and family centered goals of care."

Palliative care is a medical specialty that brings relief and comfort to seriously ill patients and their families. The award is part of The Regence Foundation's Sojourns program to expand access to hospital and community based palliative care services.

Hospice of North Idaho was founded in 1981 by a group of community volunteers who recognized a great need for end-of-life care in Idaho. Today, it has grown to serve more than 800 patients annually.

Demand has fueled the need for a Hospice House in Post Falls similar to the new building that opened on Prairie Avenue in Coeur d'Alene in August.

"Hospice of North Idaho has been a driving force in improving end-of-life care in Idaho," said Peggy Maguire, Regence Foundation board chair. "It recognized a need in the community and has worked hard to address it."