[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1981]]



                         NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Hospice of 
Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association and join with them and the 
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in recognizing 
November as National Hospice Month. This year marks the 20th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, which 
has enabled more than 4 million patients and families hospice services 
at little or no cost. This hospice care has allowed patients with 
terminal condition to die in their homes surrounded by family and 
friends, while at the same time receiving the necessary medical 
attention that they need.
  Each year, approximately 775,000 terminally ill patients and their 
families rely on end-of-life care provided by the 3,200 hospice 
locations in communities throughout the United States. Professional 
staff and volunteers provide comprehensive care to not only the 
patients, but also to their families who receive counseling and 
bereavement care to help them cope with the loss of their loved one. 
Hospice care recognizes the need of every person, regardless of age, 
health, or social status to be treated with the utmost care in his or 
her final days of life.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
November as National Hospice Month, in recognition of those who serve 
in our nation's hospices, whose hard work and selfless attitude care 
for the older generation of Americans as they reach the end of their 
lives.

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