The History & Mission Behind Hospice of Charles County

What does the word “hospice” mean to you? That is what the founders of this nonprofit, community-based organization asked themselves when the group was founded in 1982.

What is most fascinating is how this organization has evolved through the years. When it began as an all-volunteer organization, inspired by the work of Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, noted psychiatrist and author in the fields of death and dying, the collective group thought more about serving only in the present. Today the attitude among the volunteers and professional team is more job specific, streamlined, and efficient, but still with a nod to our beginnings. Our history and iconic roots are still embraced.

The message of providing quality and compassionate care is still at the very core of our mission of caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss. In a world economy such as the one we face today; it is a concept which is even more relevant than ever before. It is the antidote to the 24/7 lives we all lead. It continues to speak to the organizational values we live each day — empowerment, service, excellence and courage.

Since 1983, our team has and continues to provide physical, psycho-social, spiritual and grief support services to individuals living with and affected by advanced illness. These services are provided wherever the patient calls home, whether that is a personal residence, home of a loved one, a skilled nursing facility or assisted/senior living community. We are committed to providing the best possible care for all regardless of their ability to pay. Using an interdisciplinary team-oriented approach involving our Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, Certified Nursing Assistants, Chaplains and Counselors allows us to ensure quality and compassionate care.

In 2020, Hospice of Charles County proudly join the Hospice of the Chesapeake organization and brand family. Hospice of the Chesapeake is a like-minded non-profit care organization that serves the residents of Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and now Charles County in Maryland.

Hospice of Charles County is a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization certified by Medicare and the State of Maryland and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. It is affiliated with the Hospice Alliance, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice Network of Maryland.

Click here to view a full timeline with milestones of our organization.

Click here to see our most recent annual report.

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Executive Leadership

 

Charles County Advisory Committee

Hospice of Charles County joined Hospice of the Chesapeake, a Maryland non-profit organization, in October 2020.  As part of the organizational acquisition the role of the Hospice of Charles County Board of Directors changed from governance to an advisory role to the Board of Directors for Hospice of the Chesapeake, Inc.  The Charles County Advisory Committee is a collection of individuals who bring unique relationships, vast knowledge and valuable skills to assist in guiding the organization from a local perspective.  With a continued focus on serving patients and families in Charles County, the following individuals have graciously agreed to serve on the committee:

• Janeete Acevedo, Greater Baden Medical Services
• Melani Bell, DNP, RN, Vice President, Maryland Nursing Association
• Susan Green, WesBanco
• Jason I. Henry
• Susan Lawrence, Sr. Government Affairs Specialist, University of Maryland Baltimore
• Delegate Edith Patterson, Maryland General Assembly
• Albert Zanger, Chief Financial Officer, UM Charles Regional Medical Center

Additionally, local representatives Delegate Edith Patterson, Maryland House of Delegates and Noel Cervino, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center now hold board seats on the Board of Directors for Hospice of the Chesapeake, Inc.