This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
More than 40 years ago, a group of volunteers at Trinity Episcopal Church came together with a shared goal — to bring hospice care to Owensboro. That mission became a reality in 1982 when the first patient was served, and by 1994, the organization became Medicare-certified, expanding its service area to include Hancock, Hopkins, and Muhlenberg counties.
In 2013, Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky opened the Heartford House, the region’s first free-standing inpatient hospice center. The facility provides round-the-clock care for patients whose symptoms require more intensive management than can be offered at home.
“Over the years, hospice care has evolved from volunteer-led bedside support to a full team approach providing medical, emotional, and spiritual care,” said Marketing Director Hannah Cecil. “Today, we support patients wherever they call home, and earlier referrals give families more time for symptom management and peace of mind.”
The organization offers a range of services, including hospice care, palliative care, and grief counseling. Hospice care is available to individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less and includes a dedicated team of nurses, aides, social workers, and spiritual counselors. All necessary medications, supplies, and medical equipment related to the diagnosis are provided at no cost to the family.
Palliative care supports patients dealing with chronic illnesses, working alongside physicians to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Grief services are available not only to families of hospice patients but to anyone in the community experiencing loss. The organization offers free counseling, a children’s overnight grief camp, and a book series that help youth process different types of loss.
“Hospice care is unique because it focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curing an illness,” Cecil said. “It’s about helping people live their final days with dignity and peace.”
Cecil added that the organization’s roots in the community remain strong.
“Owensboro and the surrounding counties aren’t just places we serve — they’re communities we’re proud to call home,” she said. “Local businesses and nonprofits continually support our mission through fundraisers, volunteering, and sharing their talents.”
Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Kentucky welcomes anyone interested in learning more to call, visit www.hpcwky.org, or follow them on social media. Tours of the Heartford House are also available, and staff are happy to speak at community events or group meetings.
“The biggest misconception is that hospice is only for the last few days of life,” Cecil said. “In reality, the sooner someone is referred, the more support they can receive. It’s not about giving up — it’s about living as fully and comfortably as possible.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
