By Eileen Hanson, Chaplain, MBA, MDiv, BCC
November is Hospice Awareness Month—a time to reflect on what hospice truly means and how we can each help others in meaningful ways.
Hospice is a special kind of care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people facing a life-limiting illness. It’s not about giving up—it’s about making the most of every day. Hospice care provides nurse visits, home health aides, spiritual support, and other services to help patients and their loved ones find peace and comfort, whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing care facility.
For most families, hospice services are covered by Medicare and come at no cost to the patient. At Winona Area Hospice, part of Winona Health, we consistently rank among the top hospice programs in the country. We care deeply about our patients, our families and our community. We care more. We are Winona.
Volunteers are a part of what makes Winona Area Hospice so special. They enhance the lives of individuals receiving hospice care and their families. Our volunteers provide companionship and connection for patients, offer bereavement support to families, and organize gatherings to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Their compassion and commitment bring warmth and comfort to those we serve.
How you can help: There are two important ways to support hospice care:
- Volunteer your time. If you have a caring heart and want to make a difference, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Those who are interested or have questions are invited to contact Kris Walters at krwalters@winonahealth.org or call the Winona Health Volunteers office at 507.457.4342. You can also learn more about the variety of volunteer opportunities available at winonahealth.org/volunteers.
- Make a donation. You can donate to Winona Area Hospice through the Winona Health Foundation by designating your gift for Winona Area Hospice. Your contribution helps support hospice care and meaningful programs for patients and families in our community. To make a donation, contact the Foundation office at 507.494.7384 or visit winonahealth.org/foundation.
Hospice is about living fully, even at the end of life. Whether you choose to give your time, your care, or your financial support, you’re helping ensure that comfort, dignity, and peace are always within reach for those who need it most.
For more information about hospice and advance care planning, please call Winona Health – Winona Area Hospice at 507.457.4468, email Eileen.Hanson@winonahealth.org or visit winonahealth.org/hospice.
Eileen Hanson, Chaplain, MBA, MDiv, BCC
English 
Español 
Hmong