Hospice East Celebrates National Hospice Palliative Care Month with Veterans Appreciation Lunch in Winchester

Winchester, Kentucky – Hospice East, located at 407 Shoppers Drive, has been serving the Winchester community with compassionate quality care for several years. This nonprofit organization recently celebrated National Hospice Palliative Care Month and hosted a Veterans Appreciation Lunch during the first full week of November.

“We want to educate people,” said Cristy Davis, a financial assistant with Hospice East. “We want to bring awareness to what hospice is and what palliative care is for.” Hospice care is aimed at patients with terminal illness who are no longer receiving aggressive treatment, while palliative care targets those with chronic illnesses who might not qualify for hospice services.

Since its inception in 2016, Hospice East has established the Palliative Care Partners program to assist chronic patients who are homebound and need help managing symptoms. The organization serves nearly 100 palliative clients across three counties and approximately 50 hospice patients in Clark County alone.

A proclamation recognizing the importance of hospice and palliative care was signed by Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates on November 4. “Hospice and palliative care empower people to live as fully as possible, surrounded by family and loved ones,” the proclamation stated. It highlighted that these services include pain management, symptom control, and emotional support.

On November 7, Hospice East hosted the Veterans Appreciation Lunch, which included a meal of barbecue, coleslaw, chips, and cupcakes. Many veterans attended, including former Winchester Mayor and military veteran Ed Burtner. “It’s one of the best events that we do,” said Clinical Director Jennifer Patrick, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to honor those who served.

Regina Prewitt, a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of military service, shared her pride in participating in the event: “I enjoy interacting with all the veterans that come here.” The lunch coincided with Veterans Day on November 11, adding to its significance within the community.

This event is part of Hospice East’s ongoing commitment to showing appreciation and providing support to veterans and families in the Winchester area.