Hospice of the Western Reserve marks new chapter in Knox County

On Aug. 21, community members gathered at the newly renovated facility of Hospice of the Western Reserve in Mount Vernon to celebrate a new chapter in local end-of-life care. The open house event marked the official welcome of Hospice of the Western Reserve following its acquisition of HNCO/Hospice of Knox County on Aug. 1, 2024.

Attendees were welcomed with live music, local food trucks, guided tours of the updated space, and opportunities to meet with the care team. The event celebrated not only a new beginning for the organization but also honored more than four decades of dedicated hospice care in the Knox County community.

Hospice of the Western Reserve is Ohio’s largest non-profit hospice provider, with over 47 years of experience in delivering compassionate, expert care. The acquisition of Hospice of North Central Ohio, which included Hospice of Knox County, has expanded the organization’s reach and services across 19 counties, bringing more resources to communities while preserving the deeply personal, local care that Knox County residents have long trusted.

During the open house, guests toured the newly refreshed facility, including welcoming common areas and the peaceful back patio — a space enhanced by natural scenery and a granite water fountain. Informational tables offered materials about hospice and palliative care services, bereavement support, and opportunities for community involvement. The first 100 visitors received goody bags as a thank-you for attending.

Local food vendors On the Rise Bar-B-Que and Round Hill Dairy served up meals and sweet treats, while live musical performances created a festive atmosphere. The band Side Effects performed first, followed by Granny Creek later in the afternoon, entertaining guests as they explored the grounds and learned more about the organization’s mission.

Honoring a legacy of local care

The event also recognized the longstanding history of hospice services in Knox County. Local efforts began in the early 1980s when Mount Vernon resident Ann Hudson, alongside other healthcare leaders, worked to bring hospice care to the area. Their dedication led to the founding of Hospice of Knox County in 1981. The organization began in St. Paul’s Parish House and accepted its first patient in December 1983.

Over the years, Hospice of Knox County operated from several locations before breaking ground on a permanent facility in 2005, a milestone made possible by local agencies, grants, and generous community donations. In 2014, the organization merged with Hospice of North Central Ohio, which then became part of Hospice of the Western Reserve in 2024. The transition represents not only expanded capacity, but also a continued commitment to honoring the legacy and mission of end-of-life care in Knox County.

Volunteer opportunities: A call to serve

A major highlight of the open house was the focus on volunteerism, a cornerstone of hospice care. Danielle England, volunteer service manager, spoke with attendees about the many ways volunteers can contribute to the hospice mission. “Volunteers help to start the organization, and we still continue to have dedicated volunteers today.”

There is a special need for veterans to volunteer and visit fellow veterans, as well as for trained end-of-life doulas who can offer compassionate support during a patient’s final days. These roles provide emotional and spiritual comfort that is often invaluable to patients and their loved ones.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Danielle England at dengland@hospicewr.org or 419-685-4232. For bereavement services, Anne Hughes, Bereavement Coordinator, is available at ahughes@hospicewr.org or 216-271-0179.

More information about hospice, palliative care, and community programs can be found on the organization’s website at www.hospicewr.org.

As the Mount Vernon community continues to grow and evolve, Hospice of the Western Reserve stands ready to serve with a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect— honoring both the legacy of the past and the promise of the future.