VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana achieves “We Honor Veterans” Level 5 status for third consecutive year

VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana achieves “We Honor Veterans” Level 5 status for third consecutive year

VALPARAISO, IN – VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana proudly announces that it has achieved Level 5 status of the We Honor Veterans program for the third consecutive year. We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and Level 5 is the highest distinction. To be awarded Level 5, an organization must meet rigorous standards of veteran outreach, staff education and enhanced services for veterans and their families under hospice care. VNA Hospice is one of seven 

“We’re very proud to have achieved Level 5 status for three consecutive years because it demonstrates our commitment veterans and their families,” said VNA Hospice Chief Executive Officer Bob Franko. “Not only do we host frequent Vet-to-Vet cafes and events, but we gather each Friday at noon in our weekly Salute to Veterans session to honor the service and sacrifice of a veteran and to share our collective gratitude,” Franko said. Franko credits Volunteer and We Honor Veterans Program Coordinator, Erica Kerkes, for her leadership in the program and enthusiasm for serving veterans: “Erica sets a very high standard for our staff on how we treat and respond to veterans under our care, her passion and commitment is contagious, and everyone is proud to follow her lead,” Franko said.

“It’s been my honor and privilege to lead the We Honor Veterans Program for the last 3 years. Our committee of staff and volunteers have worked so hard to keep up with the standards set forth by NHPCO and we are so proud of the work we have done, especially  over the past year.” Kerkes said. 

The public is welcome to join the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana team each Friday at noon in the garden of its Arthur B. & Ethel V. Horton Hospice Center - 2404 Valparaiso Street for its weekly, brief Salute to Veterans ceremony. 

For more information, please visit vnanwi.org or call (219) 462-5195.