WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Serenity Hospice was proud to have been the only Illinois based hospice to send an advocate to Washington D.C. recently to participate in an intensive two- day awareness campaign.
Minnette Scott, Serenity’s Director of Nursing, spent July 18 with more than 200 other delegates from around the nation visiting with representatives from all area Congressional offices and promoting hospice care in America.
“It was very exciting and very much an honor to represent not only Serenity and Illinois on Capitol Hill, but also hospice in general,” Scott said.  “Often when hospice providers get together we are promoting our own organizations, but on that day we were all there to promote one thing: quality end-of-life care.”

The event was organized by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) which has been sponsoring the advocacy awareness day since 2012. “This event is our opportunity to represent the people we care for and to advocate on their behalf,” said Ed Banach, President and CEO of NHPCO.  
Congressional meetings were scheduled with over 300 offices and Scott was able to meet with representatives for Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Representatives Bobby Rush, Daniel Lipinski and Adam Kinzinger.  “I wanted to participate in this advocacy event because with the uncertainty of healthcare in America right now it’s important to give a voice to hospice patients,” said Scott.  
Serenity Hospice and Home is a not-for-profit organization serving nine counties in Northern Illinois.  Their hospice home is located in Oregon.
If you or someone you know would benefit from hospice services or you have questions about hospice, feel free to call 815-732-2499 or visit their website www.serenityhospiceandhome.org.