CEO Message - COVID-19

Treasure Coast Hospice Response to COVID-19

Like everyone in communities across our nation, Treasure Coast Hospice is facing new challenges as it addresses the unprecedented public health emergency of COVID-19.  As a community-based, nonprofit hospice provider, our mission is to provide compassionate care to patients at the end of life and to bring comfort to their families. Our commitment to our employees, patients and families guides us as we respond to the difficulties we are now encountering.

While life seems to have suddenly paused, our promise to serve has never been stronger. Our team has learned to innovate and has responded to this crisis with courage and compassion, tirelessly caring for our patients and families in their homes, hospitals, assisted living residences and nursing homes.

During this time, our focus has been to support our staff to ensure they are well prepared to deliver much-needed hospice care and services to our current patients and families and to provide access to new hospice-eligible patients. A primary concern for all of us in the medical community has been the ability to secure Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for our staff due to supply shortages. Thanks to the community’s generosity, we continue to receive much-needed supplies like surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Our amazing Hospice volunteers have also risen to the occasion, lovingly sewing more than 600 surgical masks. 

To protect our staff and all those we serve against the spread of COVID-19, Treasure Coast Hospice has strengthened its infection control protocols beyond our standard operating procedures. And, in accordance with public health guidelines, we are screening guests and limiting visitors allowed in patient rooms at our Inpatient Units (IPUs).  

Together, our team is adapting policies and procedures to help the organization navigate this rapidly changing situation and its impact on our staff and the life-affirming work we provide to patients and families.  Many of our employees are utilizing remote-work capabilities to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We have embraced new technologies—including video conferencing and online Live Chat—that allow us to practice social distancing while staying connected so that we can continue to offer counseling services, music therapy, and spiritual guidance to patients, families and the community.  

While the uncertainty of this situation is extraordinarily demanding, I am inspired by the resiliency of our team and their selfless dedication to the calling that is hospice.  Just as our founders persevered in bringing compassionate care to our community more than 38 years ago, I am confident that our team will continue to meet the needs of our patients and families through this difficult time.  

Now more than ever, we are grateful to our volunteers and donors who support our mission. Motivated by that mission, let us all extend our “hospice hearts” to each other and to our entire community for it is the abundance of kindness and compassion that will help us all stay strong. We stand with you – resilient, courageous, committed and ready to serve. Please continue to stay safe and healthy.  

Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA
CEO, Treasure Coast Hospice

Treasure Coast Hospice COVID-19 Updates