[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2245]]



                    OBSERVING NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH

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                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 2, 1999

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, November is National Hospice Month. I 
rise today to praise the efforts of the associated Hospice programs and 
the care that they provide to hundreds of thousands of terminally ill 
patients each year. In the First District of Florida, Hospice of 
Northwest Florida will celebrate its 15th year of service and will help 
meet the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of over 2000 patients 
this year.
  Since the modern Hospice movement began in the early 1970s to mainly 
care for those with terminal cancer, millions of patients and their 
families have benefitted from hospice care's unique and compassionate 
role in America. Hospices have continued to expand and last year alone, 
hospices served over 300,000 terminally ill people. Ninety percent of 
all patient care was provided for patients at home.
  I recently came across some fascinating numbers on just how important 
Hospice care has become in America. In 1998, hospices cared for 
patients in one-in-three-cancer-related deaths and AIDS-related deaths 
in America. There are about 3,000 Hospices in the U.S., two-thirds of 
which are Medicare certified. 98% of Hospice programs accept persons 
with AIDS.
  Perhaps the most impressive statistic of all is the tremendous 
contribution volunteers make to hospice care. In fact, approximately 
70,000 people from all walks of life, volunteer with hospice programs, 
providing over 5 million hours of direct care and services each year. 
It is these men and women that deserve the lion's share of recognition 
for the success of hospice care in America.
  Mr. Speaker, an increase in public awareness and understanding of 
Hospice care will better serve the families of our communities who are 
faced with a life limiting illness. Therefore, I invite all of my 
colleagues to join the hundreds of cities, counties, and states in 
observing the month of November as National Hospice Month. We will 
actively encourage the support of friends, neighbors, family, and 
fellow citizens in associated Hospice activities and programs now and 
throughout the year.

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