ESCANABA — It may surprise many people to learn that two percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, UP Health System Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a We Honor Veterans Partner, UP Health System Hospice will implement ongoing veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the veterans they proudly serve. The nation is seeing many of the veterans who served in World War II and Korea pass away — and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.

The We Honor Veterans campaign provides tiered recognition to organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for veterans. “Partners” can assess their ability to serve veterans and, using resources provided as part of the campaign, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to veterans into their organization. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s veterans who fare facing a life-limiting illness, UP Health System Hospice is better able to accompany and guide veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. In cases where there might be some specific needs related to the veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, UP Health System Hospice will find tools to help support those they are caring for.

Gayle DeShambo, We Honor Veterans Coordinator for UP Health System Hospice would like to thank Selena Okler and Amy Brunswick, Oscar G. Johnson Medical Care Facility, Iron Mountain Michigan, David Dziewior, Delta County Veteran Service Officer and Ken Milam, Escanaba Vet Center Veteran Outreach Specialist for their commitment and support in the development and implementation of this national campaign to support our local veterans.

VA shares a common goal with our nation’s hospices, and that is to provide the best possible care specifically tailored for veterans, meeting their goals of care in their preferred setting. As we focus on working together and unite our services and skills, We Honor Veterans will channel our combined strengths directly to veterans — wherever they are receiving care.

For more information and to learn more about how to become a veteran hospice volunteer contact Gayle DeShambo at 906-241-7974 or gayle.deshambo@lhcgroup.com.