ELIZABETHTOWN — Lower Cape Fear Hospice has earned Partner Level Three certification in the We Honor Veterans program.

We Honor Veterans is a collaborative program between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and Department of Veterans Affairs. It promotes honoring veterans at end of life; understanding special needs of veterans at end of life; helping veterans access end-of-life VA benefits that may be available to them; and increasing access and improving quality of care for veterans.

We Honor Veterans hospice partners can achieve four levels, which demonstrate their commitment to quality care for veterans. Hospice partners also develop and strengthen partnerships with VA and other veterans’ organizations, and expand community awareness of veterans’ unique care needs.

To get Level Three, LCFH had to: conduct veteran-specific presentations for administrative and clinical staff and volunteers; integrate veteran-specific content into staff and volunteer orientation and education; develop and implement a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program; conduct veteran-specific outreach presentations to veteran and community organizations; integrate a veteran checklist process into its referral and intake procedures; develop, implement and evaluate procedures for assisting veterans and families to access veterans benefits; and continually develop and strengthen relationships with VA service organizations.

“We are extremely proud to earn a Level Three certification for We Honor Veterans,” Jason Clamme, community outreach director, said. “We understand veterans have specific needs at end of life, and we are committed to meeting those needs. The We Honor Veterans program helps us maintain focus on veterans’ needs and develop outreach, volunteer, organizational and educational programs, as well as collaborate with local veterans and healthcare organizations. We want to better serve area veterans at all stages of their lives.”

For information on hospice veterans outreach programs or to become a veteran-to-veteran volunteer, contact Chris Scott at 796-7297 or chris.scott@lcfh.org. For information about veterans grief programs, contact Melinda McKeon at 791-7991 or melinda.mckeon@lcfh.org.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice is a nonprofit agency that provides healthcare and comfort to people with advanced illnesses; support and counseling to families; and education to the community in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties in North Carolina, and Horry County in South Carolina. For information, visit www.lcfh.org or facebook.com/lcfhospice.