We held a small, socially-distanced ribbon cutting ceremony with employees last summer and look forward to giving public tours as soon as we're able to do that safely. The Home Hospice Care Campaign to support the new building has also been very successful, with only $33,000 left to meet our goal. If you’d like to help close the gap, please click here!

We’ve missed you during COVID…and hope you’ve missed us, too! As the world becomes safer, we hope you will stop in to learn more about hospice, or just to say hello. Until then, we’ll see you online!

In January, Hospice of Southern Maine received its first doses of the Moderna vaccine, and last month, many HSM employees became fully vaccinated against COVID-19! We are thrilled for what this means for our employees and the patients and families we serve.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear from Dr. BJ Miller, hospice and palliative care specialist and acclaimed speaker, and Barbara Karnes, RN, internationally renowned end-of-life educator and author of the little blue book, Gone From My Sight.

Death comes in its own time, in its own way, and is as unique as the individual experiencing it. Join us at the 10th Anniversary virtual Thresholds Conference on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm for a series of presentations about end of life, dying, and death. By acknowledging death's imminence, we open the door to learn more and engage in honest conversations about the end of life.

This community conference is open to anyone, including healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, and members of the general public. Tickets cost $35. For more info and to register, visit www.hospiceofsouthermaine.org/thresholds or call (207) 289-3643.

Welcome to new Board member, Dr. Mark Wrona (right), a palliative care physician at New England Cancer Specialists. We are also pleased to announce new Members of the Corporation Dr. Chiara Battelli, Michael Bianchi, and Norma Jean Fratoni.

Annette Gosnell transitioned to Honorary Board Member after a decade of service, and it is with heartfelt gratitude that we say goodbye to departing Board Member, Dr. Tracey Weisberg.

Many local heroes go unnoticed. That's why we were thrilled that Home Care & Hospice Alliance of Maine did notice, and awarded Annette Gosnell the Alliance's 2020 Board Member of the Year. As a Board member for the past decade, Annette’s long-term commitment and deep dedication to hospice and Hospice of Southern Maine has been unparalleled. Her passion for the environment also led the vision to build the new Hospice Center using 100% renewable solar and geothermal energy, and using native, habitat-friendly landscape plantings. Congratulations on this well-deserved award, Annette!

After retiring, Cathy Hendrix brought her professional experience as a physician practice manager to her volunteer role at Hospice of Southern Maine. We are proud to announce that Cathy was named Altrusa Volunteer of the Year for 2020 for her dedicated service over the past 18 years. In addition to direct patient care at the bedside, Cathy helps with events and overseeing various administrative projects. Cathy is invaluable in all her roles, especially as a trusted mentor and advisor to new volunteers. Thank you, Cathy! 

Reiki is especially beneficial for hospice patients and their caregivers. It is a gentle therapy for those whose skin is fragile or sensitive to touch, and helps alleviate physical and emotional symptoms that are common at end of life.

At HSM, we are lucky to have 12 volunteer Reiki providers who work with our patients and families at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. We have seen firsthand how their work helps those in our care and we are so thankful for all that they do.

Last fall, HSM received a wonderful gift from the estate of Jim Munroe. Jim was a beloved uncle, music lover, sports enthusiast, and crossword expert. He was also a firm believer in giving back, donating much of his time as a volunteer with local organizations. Jim's dedication to supporting his community led him to give back to Hospice of Southern Maine by leaving us a gift in his will. We are honored, and so grateful, to be remembered by Jim in this way. His love for helping others will live on through the hearts and hands of our employees, strengthening our programs, and making a positive difference in the lives of all those we serve. Thank you, Jim!

If you or somebody you know is interested in making a planned gift to Hospice of Southern Maine, please don't hesitate to contact Heidi Farber, Director of Development and Outreach, by email or (207) 289-3669.

On Saturday, June 5, 2021, we will honor and remember those who have died by dedicating engraved bricks to the Trail of Memories patio at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. The Trail of Memories event is an opportunity to come together virtually with others in the community for a private ceremony of remembrance.

We invite you to add a brick in memory of your loved one and join us in June for the online dedication. Bricks may be ordered online, or by mailing in this order form, and must be received by May 15, 2021 to be included in this year's ceremony.

The Portland Phoenix recently featured HSM Bereavement Support Counselor Erin King. They discussed her work with hospice, navigating grief during a pandemic, and how we can better support those in our life who are grieving.

Read the full interview here: Making Portland Work: Erin King helps make space for grief