STUART — On July 18, Treasure Coast Hospice announced that it has earned recertification as a Level 5 We Honor Veterans partner in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) program with Veteran Affairs. Recertification as Level 5, the highest We Honor Veterans distinction, acknowledges Treasure Coast Hospice as an elite program that cares for and recognizes our nation’s veterans. In Florida, Treasure Coast Hospice is one of only 13 hospices to hold Level 5 status.

Established in 2010, the We Honor Veterans program addresses the growing need for veteran-centric hospice and palliative care. The Level 5 distinction demonstrates exceptional commitment to addressing the specialized needs of veterans. Last year, Treasure Coast Hospice cared for 523 veterans residing in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties.

“Treasure Coast Hospice is truly privileged to care for and honor veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they have made for our country,” said Treasure Coast Hospice CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “Recertification as a Level 5 partner reflects our team’s steadfast commitment to providing veterans and their families with the compassionate care and support they need at the end of life.”

Level 5 certification must be renewed annually. To earn recertification, Treasure Coast Hospice expanded its program to provide veterans with increased services and improved access to care. Developing partnerships with local veterans organizations is an essential component to retaining Level 5 status. Among the many partnerships that Treasure Coast Hospice has fostered with local veterans organizations, notable outreach efforts during the year included:

• Recognition of Vietnam Veterans at a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) ceremony commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

• Participation in a Welcome Home event in partnership with the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home.

• Completion of training to earn The Fire Watch’s Veteran Safe Place certification, which empowers staff/volunteers to identify and support a veteran in crisis in order to prevent veteran suicide.

• In partnership with Space Coast Honor Flight and St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care in Titusville, began offering veterans unable to travel a virtual Honor Flight experience to visit the Washington, D.C. memorials.

• Rededication ceremonies for veteran Walls of Honor displayed at local senior living residences Treasure Coast Hospice Recertified as Level 5 We Honor Veterans Partner.