Kerrville, TX – Peterson Hospice is proud to announce its initiation of the journey to a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Level 5 is the highest level WHV partners can attain and includes several new required activities and yearly recertification. 

Currently as a Level 4 partner, Peterson Hospice is providing specialized care to Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness. Aside from existing partner requirements, Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat Veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners take on the role of regional mentor to other WHV partners working to enhance their programs. 

“Peterson Hospice is kicking off this Level 5 journey by hosting a Veteran Mail Call at local nursing facilities. We have collected letters written by local junior high students from Comfort, Bandera, Ingram, and Fredericksburg to the Veterans to distribute,” says Gretchen Rye, Community Outreach at Peterson Home Based Services. “Our hospice volunteers have bundled the letters, bounded them with patriotic ribbon, and labeled them by name and branch to be called during the presentation. Our goal is to create a nostalgic mail call to honor those who have served and to create an opportunity for local students to learn about Veterans and their service.” 

NHPCO created the Level 5 program to truly showcase the efforts needed to go above and beyond. Not only do partners demonstrate their commitment, but they continue to help shape the program and serve as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be. 

NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs launched We Honor Veterans in 2010 to address the growing need for Veteran-centered care, especially as Veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care. 

Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program and Peterson Hospice.