Medicine itself has no soul. In the hospice care world, it’s the loving touch of a Physician, Nurse, CNA, Chaplain, Counselor or Volunteer who tends a precious individual as they peer towards their last few months on earth. When done right by the highest quality of staff and volunteers, patients and their families spend their last months experiencing joy, laughter and comfort they might not have otherwise had.

“Our RN, Karen Anderson …. provided the absolute best in care that we could have possibly desired,” said one thankful family. “Karen never once failed to return our calls or come to see my Mom when we needed her. She is an outstanding nurse who analyzes the situation and puts a great deal of thought into the recommendations and actions necessary. We saw her do this many times, trying various medications for a myriad of medical conditions. She took care of every aspect of Mom’s healthcare with calm, precision and compassion. With God’s hand, Karen was with us when my Mom passed away.”

Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama believes every seriously ill patient should feel truly worthy, loved and valued, even if they cannot afford to pay for hospice services. They have not turned an eligible charitable care patient away since 1979, and they are on a mission to make sure they never do.

DID YOU KNOW?

The average hospice patient in need of charitable care is a 59-year-old man who was working in Muscogee County, Georgia, or Russell County, Alabama when he became ill. He’s too young to receive Medicare, and with an average of only 6-months left to live, he probably will not be able to receive adequate benefits, or meet his insurance deductible, before he passes away.

Columbus Hospice donated over $1.2 Million in charitable care in 2022, and they expect to provide even more in 2023.

It is the only local, hometown nonprofit hospice within a 50-mile radius. It is the only hospice in the area who can care for seriously ill infants and children. And, it is the only hospice with a 25-bed inpatient facility, Hospice House, where patients can go for temporary symptom management or respite care.

In the past the organization always provided charitable care to individuals in need by covering the cost within their narrow profit margin. Each year, on average, Columbus Hospice spends 9% of their annual budget on charitable care. The recent COVID-19 pandemic changed their ability to continue the trend, due to staffing shortages, inflated salaries and increased cost of goods. Columbus Hospice has responded to this situation by launched a Charitable Care Campaign in the hopes of raising money for patients in need.

How can you help?

“Columbus Hospice is applying for grants we’re eligible for, and doing our best to create a sustainable, long-term plan for charitable care,” said Casey Hendrix, Director of Donor Relations for the organization. “We’ve cut the budget in all areas we are in control of, and we’re growing our business model, which will help our bottom line. It will take us two or three years to put this sustainable charitable care plan firmly in place. It is vital, in the meantime, the residents of our coverage area support us financially. There are so many ways our neighbors can support us and get involved!”

Some of the ways you can help support Columbus Hospice is by following them on Facebook so you can stay up-to-date and share all of the latest news about fundraisers and events. And, you can invite Casey Hendrix to speak to your civic group, business or church. Also, contact her to be added to their mailing list so you may receive two newsletters each year.

However, the greatest immediate need the organization has is for you to join their Columbus Hospice Giving Society now.

501c3 Tax Deductible Donations - monthly, recurring giving levels:  

·         Diamond - $5 - $25

·         Sapphire – $100

·         Ruby- $200 – provides care for a charitable care for one day

o   These giving levels include 24/7 access to on-call Physicians, Nurses, Support Staff, Volunteers, Social Workers, Chaplains and more.

o   Access to 25-bed inpatient facility, Hospice House.

o   Access to medications, supplies, equipment and medical transportation

Donors who qualify for the following giving levels will be recognized, unless otherwise requested, in Columbus Hospice’s print publications, website and lobby:

·         BRONZE - $2,000

·         SILVER - $5,000

·         GOLD - $10,000

·         PLATINUM - $25,000+

To learn more about Columbus Hospice and how you or your organization can make a difference, call Casey Hendrix at 706-569-7992 or visit their Facebook and Website pages online.