HUNT
VALLEY, Md., Sept. 9,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospice of Washington County and Gilchrist,
Maryland's leading provider of
geriatric, palliative, and hospice care, have announced an
affiliation agreement. This partnership will unite two of
Maryland's
oldest and most experienced nonprofit organizations,
together with nearly 70 years of service to their communities.
As the healthcare landscape continues to transform nationwide,
this type of affiliation of two synergistic nonprofit
organizations with similar missions, visions, and values will
position both organizations for continued growth, innovation and
financial strength. By combining their resources and expertise,
Gilchrist and Hospice of Washington
County will build upon each other's capabilities, enhancing
access to care through geographic expansion and scope of services
for patients, their families, and communities across Maryland and Pennsylvania. This strategic
affiliation will strengthen their ability to offer compassionate
care to more patients and families throughout Central and Southern
Maryland, as well as Washington and Frederick Counties and South-Central Pennsylvania. Both organizations
will retain their name and branding while offering a unified
approach to care.
Combined resources will support innovation and expansion in the
established communities, each serving with specialized
programs designed to meet the special needs of the communities
we serve. The integration will allow both organizations to enrich
their service offerings. Patients, families, and local communities
will benefit from a range of assets and services, including
the region's largest
team of certified hospice,
geriatric, and palliative care professionals,
providing care in people's homes and senior living communities, and
their combined
four hospice care centers. Pediatric services
for children with serious illnesses, grief counseling, and dementia
support, as well as specialized programs providing music therapy,
veteran support, and culturally specific initiatives, will continue
to enhance the care experience enabling every patient and family
member to live every moment to its fullest.
Cathy Hamel, President of
Gilchrist, expresses her enthusiasm for the new partnership:
"What's really exciting about this partnership is its alignment
with our five-year strategic plan, which aims to partner with
like-minded, innovative organizations to expand our geographic
footprint and better address the evolving needs of those we
serve."
Sara McKay, CEO of Hospice of
Washington County and Franklin
Hospice, also emphasizes the benefits of the partnership: "We are
excited about the synergy between our organizations. This
partnership will strengthen both entities and better position us
for future success."
About Gilchrist
Since 1994, Gilchrist has had the
honor and privilege of serving patients and families throughout
Central Maryland. as they navigate
the complexities and challenges of advancing age, serious illness,
and end-of-life care by providing integrated geriatric, palliative,
and hospice care. With over 500 employees serving more than 20,000
people annually, Gilchrist provides care tailored to meet the
diverse needs of our community wherever a patient calls home, as
well as in three hospice centers in Towson, Columbia, and Waverly. For more information,
visit https://gilchristcares.org/
About Hospice of Washington
County
Established in 1980, Hospice of Washington County is the sole licensed hospice
care provider within Washington County,
Maryland. Dedicated to serving the community during its most
vulnerable times, Hospice of Washington
County offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to
each patient's medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Care is
provided wherever patients call home, whether in private
residences, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Hospice
of Washington County also operates
Doey's House, the county's only hospice center. More information is
available at https://hospiceofwc.org/.
Contact: Rachel Taylor
443.933.1441
RNTaylor@GilchristCares.org
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SOURCE Gilchrist