Dear Editor November is National Hospice Month, a time for us to educate about our services and reflect on how we deliver our care. More than 1.65 million Americans and their families seek hospice care each year and that number is growing. The focus is on comfort and living life to the fullest when cure is no longer an option. Hospice care delivered by an interdisciplinary team of highly trained professionals who manage the medical needs and support patients and their families emotionally and spiritually. Our services continue long after the loss of a loved one. Trained volunteers assist patients, caregivers and our staff. Iowa River Hospice was established officially in 1983 when hospice services were made part of Medicare Benefits. Our success involves many community members who gave of their time, talent, and treasure to create Iowa River Hospice because they believed we truly needed the service. Our story began quite literally in a shoe box and now continues in the two level, 13,500 square foot Iowa River Hospice Home and Office. We continue to benefit today from so many who support our mission of delivering compassionate, tender, loving care to our patients and their families. We are humbled by such generosity. In this season of Thanksgiving, we at Iowa River Hospice want to thank all have and continue to support our mission.

Blessings to one and all, Tami Lichtenberg Executive Director Iowa River Hospice