Dear Editor,
Today, June 30, the Richmond Hospice Association (RHA) will cease operations and the responsibility for Hospice resources, services and programs will transition to the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House. This transition will facilitate a streamlined centralization of resources which will better serve hospice families and the volunteers who care for them.
Founded in March 1986, the RHA has been providing emotional and social support for patients and family members coping with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness in the Richmond area.
The Association has provided training for volunteers who visit clients in a variety of settings, including in the home, hospital, hospice and community care facilities. Their services have included personal visits, bereavement support and education to promote an understanding of death as the final stage of living.
In addition, RHA provided counselling and group support to those who have lost a loved one.
The RHA Board of Directors concluded earlier this year that the RHA mandate was completed and they made the unanimous decision to close down the organization. Since then, their goal has been to ensure a smooth transition of services so hospice clients and families continue to receive care from qualified and compassionate volunteers.
After this transition, volunteers will continue to provide support to hospice families through the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House. While the Richmond Hospice Association will be winding down, the efforts of volunteers to assist hospice patients will carry on.
In addition, the Richmond Hospice Association’s volunteer coordinator and their bereavement counsellor will continue to support volunteers and hospice clients as team members of the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House.
We are proud of our volunteers and the work that they have done under the RHA for 31 years in this community. This centralization of hospice services and resources in Richmond will better serve the community in the years ahead.
Janice Saunders
RHA president,
Pat Miller
RHA executive director
