Veteran Honoring Veteran Volunteer "Honoring a Veteran at End of Life"

Carilion Clinic Hospice - NRV is implementing an innovative model for serving Veterans at the end of life - the Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program. The Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program aims to pair recruited Veteran Volunteers with hospice patients who have been identified as Veterans. Once paired with hospice patients who also have military experience, Veteran Volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each patient thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.

Most people don't know that one in four Americans that are on Hospice is a Veteran. We have seen as high as one in three.

Volunteers are essential to the delivery of quality hospice care. Veterans are a part of a distinct culture with their own common language and experience. When Veterans interact, their common language and experience can form a strong relational bond. The camaraderie created between Veterans has proven to be supportive for all involved.

We also participate in Parades and Host Presentations in the community. We are currently at the highest level 5 participate in the "We Honor Veterans" program. We were the first Hospice in state of Va. to receive this honor.