Blue Ridge Hospice
Overview
Blue Ridge Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit provider of serious illness, end-of-life care, and bereavement support services, headquartered in Winchester, Virginia. Established in 1981, it serves the northern Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia. Founded by Helen Zebarth, the organization aims to offer compassionate care to patients and families. It operates several thrift shops, which contribute to its funding. As of 2024, Blue Ridge Hospice has been active in expanding its services and adapting to modern healthcare needs with a focus on quality and comprehensive care.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Blue Ridge Hospice expanded its collaboration with Valley Health to offer the "Hospice in the Hospital" program at Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, VA, enhancing in-hospital supportive care services for seriously ill patients.
- October 2024: The organization launched the Center for Hope & Healing, a dedicated facility providing comprehensive grief support services, reflecting its commitment to addressing community bereavement needs.
- September 2024: Achieved a milestone as its thrift shop in Purcellville gathered over $1 million in sales, underscoring community support for its mission.
- August 2024: Blue Ridge Hospice initiated its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) as part of Blue Ridge Independence at Home, providing integrated care for seniors to continue living independently.
- July 2024: The organization received a $340,000 grant from the New York Life Foundation to study the effectiveness of its grief programs for teens, utilizing innovative approaches such as tabletop role-playing games.
- March 2024: Joined the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), aiming to enhance its advocacy and educational endeavors.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Winchester, Virginia, USA |
| Founders | Helen Zebarth |
| Revenue | $13.1 Million (estimated) |
| Industry | Health Care and Social Assistance |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 400 |
| Locations | Eight thrift shops |
| Programs | Hospice, Palliative Care, PACE |
Early History
Blue Ridge Hospice was founded in 1981 by Helen Zebarth, a nurse inspired by the hospice movement during her time in England. The organization began with a mission to provide dignified end-of-life care and grew from serving a few patients to hundreds each year. It established its first office provided by Winchester Medical Center, laying the foundation for its future expansion. Initially, hospice services were not widely recognized in the U.S., but Blue Ridge Hospice pioneered this care model in Virginia, emphasizing quality of life for terminal patients and their families.
Company Profile and Achievements
Blue Ridge Hospice operates as a not-for-profit entity, focusing on delivering high-quality, compassionate care to those with serious illnesses. Its business model includes both traditional hospice services and innovative programs like PACE. The organization has consistently excelled in quality measures, often surpassing national averages. It supports its operations through a network of eight thrift shops, which fund unfunded services like music and pet therapy. Key achievements include expanding hospice care into hospitals and developing comprehensive grief support services, furthering its mission of holistic patient and family care.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Blue Ridge Hospice provides a wide range of services, including hospice care, palliative care, and the PACE program, which promotes aging in place for seniors. The organization maintains a substantial market presence in northwestern Virginia, with a strong reputation for quality and compassionate care. Its strategic initiatives include geographic expansion into Loudoun County and collaborations with healthcare entities like Valley Health. Through its innovative community care programs, Blue Ridge Hospice positions itself as a leader among not-for-profit hospice and palliative care providers.
Conclusion
Blue Ridge Hospice remains a pivotal healthcare provider in Virginia, recognized for its comprehensive, quality-driven approach to hospice and palliative care. Its expansion into new service lines and ongoing collaborations reinforce its commitment to enhancing community health outcomes. As it continues to innovate and adapt, Blue Ridge Hospice is poised to influence the future of serious illness care and bereavement services in the region, consistently focusing on dignity, comfort, and patient-centered care.