VITAS Healthcare Earns National Recognition for Providing Elite Veteran-Centric Hospice Care in Greater Columbus and Central Ohio

March 23, 2020

COLUMBUS, OH – VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, is proud to announce its Columbus program is now a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Level 5 is the highest level WHV partners can attain and includes several new required activities and yearly recertification.

As a partner, VITAS provides specialized care to veterans facing a life-limiting illness. Aside from existing partner requirements, Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on staff education and caring for Vietnam-era and combat veterans. Additionally, Level 5 partners take on the role of regional mentor to other WHV partners working to enhance their programs.

“When we set out to create the Level 5 program, we knew that it had to be different to truly showcase the efforts needed to go above and beyond. Not only have you demonstrated your commitment, but you have helped shape the program and have continued as an example of what all hospice partners should strive to be,” said NHPCO President and CEO Edo Banach about VITAS.

NHPCO and the VA launched We Honor Veterans in 2010 to address the growing need for veteran-centered care, especially as veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care. Dozens of VITAS locations throughout the country maintain Level 1-5 partnerships with WHV.

"We take great pride in our longstanding commitment to recognize all veterans throughout the year in our community," said Mark Knepper, general manager of VITAS in Columbus. “The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War reminds all hospice and healthcare professionals to make sure we provide these veterans with the compassionate care, services and recognition they deserve to truly honor their service and their sacrifice.”

Operating an office in Dublin since 2010, VITAS provides quality compassionate care to patients with advanced illness throughout 15 counties in and surrounding Columbus.