Coastal Hospice, the nonprofit health care provider serving patients and families on the Lower Shore, has launched a 40^th anniversary campaign created to raise further awareness of the organization, its mission and impact.

“Coastal Hospice serves patients and families during one of the most critical time of their lives – the delicate time leading toward death,” said CEO Alane Capen. “Our services, which can begin long before those precious last few days, are meant to lift stress and strain from those patients and families and allow them to remain as active and engaged as possible during the final chapter of their lives.

“We have had the most extraordinary 40 years working in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties,” Capen said, “and we are committed to serving all those in need.”

Coastal Hospice has served tens-of-thousands of patients and their families in the region, treating them in their homes, at nursing homes and assisted living facilities; at Coastal Hospice at the Lake and at the new residential hospice, the Macky & Pam Stansell House.

The organization also provides “palliative” care which treats the symptoms and relieves the pain of a terminal illness so that patients can enjoy the time remaining. It also offers Compass, which connects terminally ill patients with meals, transportation and other services, free of charge.

“Our partnership with Coastal Hospice goes back many years and has touched untold numbers of patients and their families,” said Steve Leonard, President/CEO of Peninsula Regional Health System.

“From the time a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness, no matter what the prognosis is, we encourage them to reach out to Coastal Hospice so they can make the best of the time they have left. Coastal Hospice are essential partners as we work together on the continuum of life,” Leonard said. 

The 40th anniversary logo was revealed at a celebration for more than 300 employees and volunteers.

“We felt it important for the people who serve our patients daily have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone first,” said Capen. “It was a joyous experience and we are pleased to share it with the community.”

The 40^th celebration will continue throughout the year and include presentations to business and service groups. The organization will include the theme in all its events, including the upcoming Taste of Finer Things on April 1 at Harrison’s Harbor Watch and the 40^th Anniversary Gala on July 17 at The Guerreri Academic Commons at Salisbury University.