Press Releases

Terry G. Stone
Community Outreach
(321) 269-4240
(321) 269-5428-fax
outreach@hospiceofstfrancis.com

THREE SERIES OF CAREGIVER EDUCATION CLASSES
SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY

Brevard County, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering a session of the Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers and their family and/or friend helpers. The training program consists of six-90 minute classes. All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified. Each class focuses on different issues caregivers face. Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered at no cost to Brevard County residents.

In February, there are three series of six Caregiver classes scheduled. The schedule is as follows:
1) Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Beginning on Wednesday, February 1 and concluding on Friday, February 17, 2012
Port St. John Library, 6500 Carole Avenue, Port St. John 32927.

2) Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Beginning Monday February 6 and concluding on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sunflower House, Merritt Square Mall, 777 E. Merritt Island Cswy,
Merritt Island 32952.

3) Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Beginning Tuesday, February 21 and concluding Friday, March 9, 2012
Hospice of St. Francis Melbourne office, 4875 N. Wickham Road, Suite 4,
Melbourne, 32940 (Wickham Rd. at Mariah Drive – across from Home Depot)

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

NEW 24-HOUR URGENT CARE CLINIC OPENS IN MELBOURNE

Melbourne, FL – Diagnostic and Clinical Care Services (DOCCS) recently opened a new 24-hour Urgent Care Clinic in Melbourne, FL and are accepting new patients. The new clinic is located at 2100 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne 32935. Jointly operated by Sangita Sahay, M.D. and Marilyn Moss, M.D., the clinic will provide care for patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by offering online registration and state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Room system. They are associated with all major hospitals in the area and can send medical records anywhere.

Board Certified Physicians will be available 24 hours a day to provide an array of services, including in-house testing. No insurance is needed, but they will accept all major health insurance and credit cards. Some services provided are treatment of: sprains and fractures, cuts or lacerations, rashes and burns, eye injuries, insect and animal bites, ear infections, cold and flu and medication management for chronic illnesses. The clinic will also provide physicals for employment, sports and school.

DOCCS is a member of the Urgent Care Association of America. To learn more about the clinic, please call 321-752-7100 or visit their website at www.doccs.us.

SEEKING “PARTNERS IN COMPASSIONATE CARE” FOR VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Titusville, FL--Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers. HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing many other services. No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants. Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County. A new training class will begin on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The class will meet on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for three weeks at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. For more information or to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

HOSPICE OF ST. FRANCIS
OFFERS FREE SUPPORT GROUPS

Brevard County, FL – Grief is a very strong emotion, which often incapacitates people.  The holidays are an especially difficult time of the year for those suffering from the loss of a loved one.  Hospice of St. Francis can help those suffering with grief.  There are support programs for all age groups – North Star for children from three to 17, young adult group for ages18 to 30 and adult groups for age 31 and up.  We also offer private counseling sessions. 

ADULT BEREAVEMENT – free to Brevard County residents
Social Support Groups - ages 31+

Men’s Breakfast – 1st Wednesday each month - 9:00 a.m. at The Village Inn,
2925 S. Washington Ave., Titusville. 

Ladies’ Luncheon – 1st Thursday each month – 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - location varies.

New Beginnings Luncheon - for men and women – 3rd Thursday each month - 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – location varies.

Please call 321-269-4240/toll free 866-269-4240 to verify meeting location.

Other Grief Support Groups - ages 31+

Titusville Office – 2nd and 4th Thursday each month – 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Melbourne Office – 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month - 10:30 a.m. to Noon.  

To register, please call Bereavement Coordinator at 321-269-4240/toll free 866-269-4240.

NORTH STAR – free to Brevard County residents
Children (age 3 to 17) and families must register before attending group. Meeting times vary depending on age of child.  Please call North Star Coordinator at 321-264-1687 to register.
1st and 3rd Tuesday each month - 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
2nd and 4th Tuesday each month - 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
1st and 3rd Wednesday each month - 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Young Adult Grief Support Group (age 18 to 30) - 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month – 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Please call North Star Coordinator at 321-264-1687 to register.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION AND RESOURCE PROGRAM
– free to Brevard County residents
Open to present and future caregivers. Classes are held throughout Brevard County at various days, times and locations.
Please call Caregiver Program Coordinator at 321-269-4240 or toll free 866-269-4240 for more information and to register.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients nearing end-of-life. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with terminally ill loved ones.  For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

CAMP NORTH STAR, FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN,
SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY

TITUSVILLE, FL - North Star, a children’s grief support group program, will be holding their Camp North Star on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Camp North Star is provided free of charge by Hospice of St. Francis.  The campsite is located at 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780.

The purpose of Camp North Star is to provide support to grieving children and their families after the death of a loved one.  Camp North Star offers a safe place for campers, age 6 to 13, to explore feelings and to share experiences with others of similar ages, while providing a foundation for growth through the grieving process.

The camp is staffed by professionals and trained volunteers.  Camp activities include, creative learning and therapeutic crafts, as well as small group sessions to encourage campers to share memories and learn healthy coping skills.  The camp experience closes with a memorial ceremony, which family members are encouraged to attend.

Attendance is free, but space is limited. Call Brooke Davis, MSW, North Star Coordinator for more information and registration forms 321-264-1687.

Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is Brevard’s oldest and only independent not-for profit hospice that serves the needs of terminally ill patients and their loved ones.  Services and programs are provided throughout Brevard County—north to south—free of charge to any Brevard County resident.  For more information on programs and services, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit our website at wwwhospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE OF ST. FRANCIS WELCOMES
NEW HOSPICE PHYSICIAN

BREVARD COUNTY, FL - Leslie C. Stevens, M.D., a physician board-certified in internal and hospice and palliative medicine, has joined Hospice of St. Francis, Brevard’s oldest and only independent not-for-profit hospice in Brevard County.

Leslie Stevens, M.D.

“Dr. Stevens’ record of caring for patients and her many accomplishments are precisely why she is an exceptional addition to our medical team,” said Bruce Wolters, Hospice of St. Francis president and chief executive officer.

A 1995 Medical College of Georgia graduate, Dr. Stevens began a three-year residency at Winthrop-University Hospital (an affiliate of State University of New York) in Mineola, NY. During her residency, she received an Honors score on her United States Medical Licensing Examination and was twice awarded Resident of the Year, as well as Resident with Excellent Teaching Skills.

Dr. Stevens earned credentialing from the American Board of Internal Medicine and is board-certified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care. She is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and credentialed by the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Trainer Program. Dr. Stevens is an active member of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients nearing end-of-life. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with terminally ill loved ones. For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION FREE FOR BREVARD RESIDENTS

Titusville, FL – Hospice of St. Francis will be offering a session of the Caregiver Education and Resource classes for current and future caregivers and their family and/or friend helpers. The training program consists of six-90 minute classes. All classes were developed nationally in response to the issues caregivers, themselves, identified. Each class focuses on different issues caregivers face. Hospice of St. Francis’ programs and training classes are offered at no cost to Brevard County resident.

The series of six Caregiver classes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, beginning on Friday, January 6, 2012 and concluding on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. They will be held at the Hospice of St. Francis corporate office located at 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville 32780 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 x 330, toll free at 866-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

Hospice of St. Francis was founded in 1977 and serves all of Brevard County with offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the pain relief and symptom management needs of patients nearing end-of-life. Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs to assist with the many needs of families with terminally ill loved ones. For more information about patient services and support programs, please call 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or visit www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

RETIRED & SENIORS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)
RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS AT LUNCHEON

BREVARD COUNTY, FL – RSVP held their annual Volunteer Recognition luncheons in three locations this year.  Over 500 volunteers attended the luncheons.  Each luncheon included an awards ceremony for volunteers who received the esteemed Presidential Volunteer Service Award for giving over 4,000 hours of service in the community.

RSVP is always in need to of volunteers, 55 years and older, who want to make a difference and serve the needs of our community.  Anyone interested in serving the community through this great organization, please call 321-631-2749.

Martin Hindsley, RSVP Advisory Council Chairperson, presenting Presidential Volunteer Service Award to Mr. Stephen Vary and Mrs. Anna Vary.	Martin Hindsley, RSVP Advisory Council Chairperson, presenting Presidential Volunteer Service Award to Ms. Harriet Mirsajadi.

Hospice of St. Francis Selected as New Partner in
We Honor Veterans Program

Brevard County, FL – Shocking statistics reflect the lives of our American Veterans. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there are 72,385 veterans living in Brevard County. Of that number, 91.4% are men and 8.6% are women. Many are living at or below poverty level, many are unemployed and many more are homeless. Nearly half of all homeless veterans in the United States can be found in four states: California, Florida, New York and Texas. Their needs are unique, and their life conditions are almost always related to military service, combat experience or other traumatic events.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, has developed the campaign, We Honor Veterans. Hospice of St. Francis has been selected to serve as a Partner in this ongoing campaign designed to provide veterans with the specialized services they need. To be accepted into the program, Hospice of St. Francis had to meet stringent requirements that will improve the end-of-life care for veterans. Learning the patient’s military history is necessary in providing the appropriate, personalized care the veterans need. To learn more about We Honor Veterans or to support this important work, please visit www.wehonorveterans.org.

“We are proud to have been selected to serve as a We Honor Veterans partner,” said Bruce Wolters, President/CEO of Hospice of St. Francis. “Since our inception in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis has had strict guidelines in caring for our American Veterans. We always strive to customize the plan of care for all of our patients and know that our veterans are special. We look forward to working more closely with NHPCO and local veteran organizations on this campaign.”

Hospice of St. Francis, which serves all of Brevard County, was founded in 1977 and has offices in Titusville and Melbourne. It is an independent, non-profit hospice serving the needs of Brevard county residents nearing end-of-life. Hospice of St. Francis’ support programs serve the many needs of families with terminally ill loved ones. You can contact Hospice of St. Francis at 321-269-4240, toll free 866-269-4240 or www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE OF ST. FRANCIS INTRODUCES NEW YOUNG ADULT GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM

Hospice of St. Francis will be introducing a new Young Adult Grief Support Program designed to assist individuals, between the ages of 19 and 30, who have experienced a significant death. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to meet other people of similar age who are dealing with the vast, and at times, overwhelming range of emotions and reactions experienced after a death. The Young Adult Grief Support Program will begin on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8:00 p.m. Group meetings will be held at Hospice of St. Francis’s office located at 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, 32780.

Participants will be invited to share personal experiences with grief, ask questions of the group and provide support for other participants. Program guidelines include, our commitment to protecting confidentiality and providing a safe and open environment for sharing.

“We offer adult grief support through our Adult Bereavement Program, but the groups tend to be comprised of individuals who have lost a loved one later in life. A special group for young adults will allow participants to share their experiences and ask questions of people their own age, which will make the support they receive much more beneficial,” explained Bruce Wolters, President/CEO of Hospice of St. Francis. “We are really looking forward to getting our Young Adult Grief Support Group started. It will be great extension of the assistance Hospice of St. Francis provides to members of our community.”

All of Hospice of St. Francis’ programs are offered free of charge to all residents of Brevard County. Programs include: North Star, child grief support program for ages three to 18; the Caregiver Education and Resource Program teaches caregivers how to take care of themselves while caring for someone else; the Volunteer Training and Assignment program that provides training for individuals seeking to help us carry out our mission; and the Adult Bereavement Program, which provides support for adults experiencing the grief associated with the death of a relative or friend.

For more information about the Young Adult Grief Support Program, please contact Brooke Davis, MSW, North Star Coordinator at 321-264-2687.

Hospice of St. Francis, Brevard County’s first hospice, is an independent, non-sectarian, 501 (c) 3 organization providing care for patients and support for loved ones. For additional information on programs and services, please call 321-269-4240, 866-259-4240 toll free or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE OF ST. FRANCIS RECEIVES DONATION FROM FLORIDA ORDER OF EASTERN STAR

Lois Anne Wolfe, of Merritt Island, had utilized the services and support provided by Hospice of St. Francis with a family member. Her appreciation for the services and support her family received was the factor determining what organization would be the recipient of her Special Project donation.

“The donation given to us by the Florida Order of Eastern Star could not come at a better time for Hospice of St. Francis," said Board Chairman, Jerry Allender. "We have seen an increase in the number of Brevard County families that need and seek out our services and support. As a non-profit hospice, we are dedicated to caring for our community members, regardless of their ability to pay. We greatly appreciate Ms. Wolfe’s thoughtfulness and the hard work of the Eastern Star membership to raise these funds. They will be put to good use in our community.”

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world that allows both men and women to be members. The Florida Chapter, like all other chapters, is composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, but it is not a religion. The organization is dedicated to its charitable nature. The millions of dollars raised within the membership supports national, jurisdictional and local charities.

Hospice of St. Francis is Brevard’s first hospice and has served Brevard County families for more than 34 years. Along with providing terminally ill patients with compassionate professional services, Hospice of St. Francis provides support programs specifically designed to assist the patient’s family through this very difficult time in their lives. Support programs include: Adult Bereavement Program, Young Adult Grief Support Program (ages 18-30), North Star-Child Grief Support Program (ages 3-18), Caregiver Education and Resource Program and Partners in Compassionate Care volunteer training and assignment program. All programs are provided free of charge to any Brevard County resident. For more information about services and programs, please call 321-269-4240, 800-269-4240 toll free or visit or website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE OF ST. FRANCIS PRESENTED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD BY COCOA BEACH CHAMBER

COCOA BEACH, FL – Hospice of St. Francis was recipient of the Business of the Year Award for Non-Profits with 101+ employees at the annual Better Business Council of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce award ceremony on Friday, December 3, 2010. Each nominee, selected by chamber members, had to meet certain criteria before being considered for an award, each company’s information was evaluated by chamber judges and one company was selected in 13 categories.

Hospice of St. Francis was graded on its customer satisfaction, company growth, employee performance and plans for future service growth. The organization will be opening a Melbourne office in early 2011, and the recent addition of a fully electronic records system, which connects it electronically to its medical and community partners, were large factors in all categories for Hospice of St. Francis.

“We are very excited to have received this valued award. At Hospice of St. Francis, we strive to provide the highest quality professional care for our clients and support programs for their families. The award has made us all very proud of our efforts to make our hospice one of the best in Brevard County,” stated Bruce Wolters, Executive Director, Hospice of St. Francis. “It is quite an honor to have received it.”

Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis was the first hospice in Brevard County. It is a local, independent, non-profit hospice that uses a strong medical model, which means full-time physicians are employed to actively manage the pain and symptoms of their patients. Hospice of St. Francis provides care and services to any Brevard County resident, regardless of their financial status. Support programs are provided free of charge for the patient’s loved ones and to all Brevard County residents, whether patient services are utilized or not. These programs include: Caregiver Education and Resource Program, which teaches caregivers how to care for themselves as well as the patient; Partners in Compassionate Care Volunteer Program trains and assigns volunteers to assist in caring for patients and their family and assisting in day-to-day operations; and Adult Bereavement and North Star Child Grief Support Programs provide support for all ages. The child grief support program is designed for children from 3 to 18, and the adult program is for 18 years and up. For more information about the services and programs, please call 321-269-4240, 866-269-4240 toll free or visit the website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE EMPLOYEES EARN ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

BREVARD COUNTY, FL – Hospice of St. Francis announced that three employees were notified in late August that they had passed the examination required to earn their hospice certification. Jennifer Creel, RN, Jennifer Diamond, RN and Cassandra McCullough, CNA/HHA made the commitment to achieve a new level of expertise in caring for hospice patients and succeeded.

Certification formally recognizes the specialized knowledge, skill and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by a specialty. An ongoing commitment to excellence is required. Specialty certification is a mechanism to ensure the ability to provide the highest quality of care.

Jennifer Creel, RN, CHPN, Patient Care Coordinator, has been an employee at Hospice of St. Francis for over six years. She began her nursing career as a Newborn Nursery and Mother/Baby Nurse at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. When a friend’s father was admitted at Hospice of St. Francis, it reminded her that she had been interested in the hospice care work when she was earning her nursing degree.

“I love caring for our patients and their families,” reflected Jennifer C. “As a Patient Care Coordinator, I pride myself on being there for the team, as a resource and their right hand. Our office truly works as a team, and I am very proud to say I work for Hospice of St. Francis. Earning my CHPN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse) was icing on the cake for me.”

Jennifer Diamond, RN, CHPN, Case Manager, began her nursing career 15 years ago focusing on home health, long term and end-of-life care. As a teen, she volunteered at a nursing home and community hospital and continued working with the elderly while attending nursing school. The tailored care plan approach for patients is what motivated her to seek hospice work.

Jennifer D. stated, “There is a great need for compassionate, non-judgmental, supportive care at the end-of-life, and hospice almost exclusively provides just that. I feel privileged to be able to provide that care to our patients.”

Cassandra McCullough, CNA/HHA, CHPNA, is a native of Brevard County. In 1994, after years of clerical employment, Cassandra changed career paths and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide certification. In 2003, she was introduced to Hospice of St. Francis and has been a part of the team ever since.

Cassandra explained, “This is a job where a gentle touch is appreciated, and a simple smile makes someone’s day. These are just a couple of the reasons I wanted to continue to learn more about my profession. Pursuing my certification in Hospice and Palliative Care was a great opportunity for me to do just that.

JenniferCreel	Jennifer Diamond	Cassandra McCullough

Hospice of St. Francis provides compassionate, professional hospice and palliative care services to patients. As a non-profit health services organization, we provide care and services to any Brevard County residents, regardless of their financial status. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis was the first hospice in Brevard County. We also provide support for their loved ones through our various programs, which are free to Brevard County residents whether our patient services are utilized or not. These programs include: Caregiver Education and Resource Program, which teaches caregivers how to care for themselves as well as the patient; Partners in Compassionate Care Volunteer Program trains and assigns volunteers to assist in the caring for our patients and their family and assisting in day-to-day operations; and Adult Bereavement and North Star Child Grief Support Programs provide support for all ages. The child grief support program is for children from 3 to 18, and the adult program is for 18 years and up. For more information about our services and programs, please call 321-269-4240, 866-269-4240 toll free or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.