“Expedients are for the hours, but principles are for the ages.” — Henry Ward Beecher

Hospice of Chattanooga honored almost 200 volunteers for service to the agency during National Volunteer Week, said Connie Havis, community events coordinator.

“Hospice of Chattanooga was started in 1981 by volunteers who saw a need for end-oflife care in the community. Today, the agency is one of the largest hospice programs in Tennessee, serving over 2,000 families a year,” she said.

Among the volunteers attending the luncheon were two veterans to the hospice volunteer program, Ms. Havis said.

“Chris Little, who will be 83 years old in September, and Lillian Barnett, who is a youthful 93 years old, were in the first volunteer orientation class in 1981,” she said. “These ladies’ volunteer assignments have included staffing health fairs, visiting patients, bereavement calls, presentations, office help, decorating hospice units and assembling treat bags.”

Additionally, Hospice honored its nursing staff at the Broad Street Grille during Nurses Appreciation Week, Ms. Havis said.

“More than 150 nurse practitioners, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants enjoyed a buffet breakfast and door prizes, awards and fellowship,” she said.

“Hospice of Chattanooga nurses touch the lives of patients and families with a deep understanding of how to care for the terminally ill. Their dedication to improving the quality of life of the dying patient is driven by their compassion of caring.”