Bridging Gaps by Building Bridges

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we understand that everyone deserves compassionate end-of-life care, regardless of their background or circumstances.

One of our primary focuses is ensuring equitable access to our services throughout our diverse 16-county service area. We recognize that socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural and geographical factors can create barriers to accessing hospice care.

To address this, we have implemented outreach programs and partnered with local organizations to provide education and support to help shape conversations and remove mistrust in healthcare systems. We are committed to actively engaging with communities to understand their unique needs and preferences.

Through partnerships with local colleges, faith organizations and other community groups, we aim to meet people where they are, instead of expecting them to come to us. These outreach efforts are designed to build trust and help people move beyond phobias and fears that may arise due to past experiences. These efforts take time and intention to foster relationships that are often built based on shared lived experiences.

We believe empowering individuals with knowledge about end-of-life care options is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring their wishes are honored. Our team conducts workshops, seminars and informational sessions to raise awareness about hospice care, palliative care and advance care planning. By engaging with the community, we seek to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding hospice and foster a culture of open communication about end-of-life services.

We partner with local and national organizations to follow best practices on these initiatives, including the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Diversity Advisory Council and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation’s Health Equity Forum, as well as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure we have proper guidance regarding health equity measures.

Understanding that true awareness and advocacy begin by looking within, Hospice of the Western Reserve staff participate in comprehensive education sessions. Providing educational resources and facilitated discussions for staff is an opportunity to create a learning environment that cultivates a supportive workplace and empowers staff to engage with the diverse communities we serve in an effective manner.

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we recognize that achieving equity in end-of-life care is an ongoing journey. We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing disparities, promoting education and fostering community engagement.

Together, we can bridge gaps, build bridges and ensure that every individual receives the compassionate care they deserve when they need it most.