MONTEREY COUNTY — Central Coast VNA and Hospice has received a $160,000 grant from Hospice Giving Foundation to support local programs that strengthen and improve hospice and palliative care and other end-of-life care services for children and adults in Monterey County.
The funding will underwrite a portion of VNA Hospice services, specifically for Latino outreach, a confidential hospice meeting space and residential care beds.
“The programs funded with this grant will ensure VNA continues to expand our efforts to meet community needs,” said Corey Young, RN, chief clinical officer. “Our goal of increasing programs to the Latino underserved communities will help them receive services which will improve their quality of life. Additionally, bereavement and grief services will be centrally located, allowing for easier access for families who have lost a loved one.”
VNA Hospice’s Latino Outreach Program provides educational outreach events with the Latino community in North and South Monterey County. The program engages Spanish-speaking families in conversation about and use of hospice services.
“Together, we are excited to expand in providing culturally appropriate programs, which connects this underserved community and community influencers,” said VNA Hospice in a news release Oct. 13.
Previous Hospice Giving Foundation grants funded the purchase of a dedicated Latino Mobile Resource Center van, which carries information about VNA Hospice services. The van, which launched in 2019, recently stopped in King City, Gonzales and Soledad earlier this month and plans to be at Sherwood Village, 808 N. Main St., in Salinas on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.
VNA Hospice will also use the funding for an on-site confidential meeting space, where family end-of-life counseling and bereavement will be conducted. This space will be enhanced to include a dedicated children’s corner with beanbag chairs, stuffed animals, manipulatives, art supplies and various children’s books.
In addition, through a partnership with Casa Carmel Assisted Living, the grant will provide seed money to offer dedicated beds for VNA Hospice patients, provide financial support for families who cannot afford to pay the daily rate of care and assist with operational funding.
“Aging in place with good quality of life is a common concern for older seniors. For those in the last months of life, remaining in the comfort of home is also a concern,” said Diana Trapani, development and communications specialist. “Hospice helps make this possible by providing compassionate care, which includes quality end-of-life services, such as pain management and a respectful death at home.”
Other hospice services include patient and family education, bereavement services and respite care.
“Funding from the Hospice Giving Foundation will help make these and other services possible,” Trapani said.
Central Coast VNA and Hospice has received funding from the Hospice Giving Foundation since 1985. Learn more about VNA Hospice at ccvna.com.
