More than 600,000 veterans die each year. In 2001, 25% of Americans who died were veterans. However, most veterans do not die in a Veterans' Affairs medical center. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers in all settings to be familiar with the often unique needs of the veteran population, especially with regard to chronic terminal illness at the end of life. The program will focus on several ways the caregivers can provide this special care making the end of life process a time of healing for a wounded spirit.

Guest speakers include Dr. Patrick Daly, Palliative Care Director at the Veterans Administration, and Kandyce Powell, Executive Director of the Maine Hospice Council and Chair of the National Hospice/Veterans Advisory Committee, who will discuss the (first in the nation) Hospice/Veterans Partnership, status of Veterans, hospice care in Maine and local community referrals and services for Veterans. Representative Pete Johnson from the Cecil R. Cole Post # 94 in Greenville and Pine Tree Hospice Board President, Sue Mackey Andrews, will also address the group. Marcia Walden, a Home Health and Hospice Nurse at Community Health and Counseling Services will review hospice services provided locally. Amy Madigan-Dube, Coordinator of Volunteers and Client Services, will review the variety of volunteer opportunities available at Pine Tree Hospice.

Doors will open for social time at 4:30 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner at 5:00 p.m. The program portion of the evening will take place from 5:45 – 8:45 p.m. For additional information about the program, please call Ed Conroy, American Legion Post #29 Commander at 564-3265 or Cynthia Scott, Executive Director of Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4359.