Northland Hospice & Palliative Care has been providing hospice care in the greater Flagstaff area for 35 years. The community helped the locally owned and operated organization celebrate the milestone at an event in October.
Founded in 1983 by Flagstaff’s Marilyn Pate and a team of several volunteers, Northland Hospice is the region’s only not-for-profit hospice company. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Nearly 50 specially trained nurses, nurse assistants, chaplains, physicians and support staff members are joined by more than 125 community volunteers.
“Our team of staff and volunteers are devoted to the community and to making a difference in the lives of those who are facing a life-limiting diagnosis,” said Kathy Simmons, Northland Hospice CEO. “For the last 35 years, we have provided compassionate and comprehensive care and support to patients of all ages, regardless of ability to pay. We are dedicated to helping patients and their families live the highest quality of life while embracing the wishes of each patient.”
Each year, the organization provides approximately $500,000 in charity care to those who need hospice, but do not have the funds to pay for hospice services.
“If it was not for the generous support of our community, we would not be able to care for so many wonderful people,” Simmons said. “This support is a true testament to the value the community places on hospice care and in the trust placed in Northland Hospice. We are very, very grateful.”
Northland Hospice also owns and operates the only two homes in Flagstaff that specialize in providing hospice care. Both homes offer a place for patients to receive 24/7 care, as well as a place for families to be with their loved ones.
The Olivia White Hospice Home, located on Switzer Canyon Drive in Flagstaff, is a 10-bed home that opened in 2002. The expansive grounds, large windows and sunroom provide a place for residents to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Elaine’s Forest Home, located on Forest Avenue, opened in October 2017. The five-bed home is named after Elaine Loven, sister to Mike Loven of Loven Contracting in Flagstaff, who helped design and renovate the home in honor of Elaine.
Northland Hospice also owns and operates the HodgePodge Thrift Store, which was voted Best Thrift Store in Flagstaff Business News’s Best of Business Awards in 2016.
Hospice offers special care, including comfort and compassion during the end-of-life transition when medical treatment no longer offers a cure. It is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, have an estimated life expectancy of six months or less and have decided not to seek further medical care to cure the illness or prolong life. FBN
By Starla S. Collins
