As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Housecall Providers Hospice, we reflect on the journey that has shaped our organization and the critical role nonprofit medical care plays in our community. In an era where for-profit hospice care has surged, our mission-driven approach remains unwavering, prioritizing the well-being of our patients over financial gain. This commitment to always putting patients first is what sets us apart, enabling us to provide the compassionate, holistic care our community needs and deserves.

This spring, we joyously celebrated with current and former employees, recognizing the exceptional care we have delivered to over 4,000 patients over the past 15 years. When patient-centered care is the core of your mission, you attract the finest workforce. This dedication is why we are one of only two hospices in Oregon to earn all four rings in the 2023 Quality Connections program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization signifying service excellence.

The health care landscape has significantly shifted over the past five years, with for-profit hospices now comprising about 73% of all providers. We encourage you to review the attached insert, which details how community-based, mission-driven hospice organizations prioritize the well-being of their patients, families and caregivers with integrative services, offering an alternative to for-profit entities that often prioritize profitability.

Hospice care epitomizes empathetic and responsive medical care, requiring a patient-centered approach that addresses medical, emotional and spiritual needs. Our volunteers play an indispensable role in this mission, providing companionship, respite for caregivers, and assisting with various tasks, profoundly impacting the lives of those we serve. An article on page 6 of this newsletter features a heartwarming story of one such volunteer, Wendy Usher, underscoring the invaluable contributions volunteers make to our organization.

Lastly, we are still basking in the success of our community-wide event, Toss for a Cause, held on June 1 at Sellwood Park. Feedback from fellow nonprofits, volunteers and staff highlighted the fun and camaraderie it fostered, with many praising the outstanding opportunity to build a strong network to serve the growing numbers of seriously ill and homebound members in our community. Next year, we’ll collaborate with our partners to increase attendance and continue working toward making this event a beloved Portland tradition.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and supporting our mission to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. Together, we can keep making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

In community,

Rebecca Ramsay