From Groundbreaking to Completion: One Year

Groundbreakers pictured, left to right, are Barry Kramer (Campaign Chair),
Mike Kirkland (WHF Executive Director), Margie Orem (Campaign Co-Chair),
and Anna Williams (WHF Board President)

September 13, 2009 was a very big day for all who have been working hard to make the Hospice House dream a reality for Whatcom County! Over 100 people, including Whatcom Hospice Foundation Board members, Campaign Cabinet members, and major donors, gathered at the Hospice House site (2806 Douglas Avenue, near Joe’s Garden) to break ground on the project. Dignitaries in attendance included Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike and Washington State Senator Dale Brandland.

Now, one year later, construction is nearly complete. The House is scheduled to accept its first patients on September 16, 2010.

Hospice House will be available for patients and their families according to their individual needs including:

A place for patients without available caregivers at home.

A temporary stay when caregivers need a time of respite.

A longer-term stay for those whose caregivers can no longer provide specific care.

Hospice House will offer:

Compassionate, safe, individualized care, 24 hours a day.

12 comfortably decorated suites with private bathrooms and patios.

Opportunity for family members to remain in the room with patients as often and as long as desired.

Space for quiet, individual contemplation.

Areas where loved ones can gather 24 hours a day.

Hospice offers services to patients and their families above and beyond those paid for by Medicare and other insurers. No one will ever be turned away because they cannot afford to pay.