Heartfelt: November/December 2025

November/December 2025: News & Updates


Governor Armstrong Honors HIA Hospice During

National Hospice & Palliative Care Month
November is a time to pause and reflect on the power of compassion. At HIA Health, we are proud to celebrate National Hospice & Palliative Care Month alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and the families we serve. This year, we are honored to receive an official state proclamation from Governor Kelly Armstrong, recognizing the vital role hospice and palliative care play in North Dakota communities.

“We’re deeply grateful to Governor Armstrong for recognizing the importance of hospice and palliative care,” said Tracee Capron, Executive Director of HIA Health. “This proclamation affirms what we see every day—the difference compassionate care makes for patients and their loved ones.”


Living Fully, Even When Time Is Limited

Hospice care isn’t about giving up—it’s about living with comfort, dignity, and peace. Rick Sanders, an HIA Hospice patient, shared his experience:

Stories like Rick’s remind us why our mission matters. Through our Hearts In Action, we focus on making every moment count—helping people live their best life in whatever time remains.

“They helped me realize that hospice care means you can keep doing what you love, surrounded by people who truly care. I didn’t know much about hospice at first, but now I know it’s about living better, not less.”

Supporting Families
As the holidays approach, we know this season can bring both joy and sadness. For families navigating illness or grief, these moments can feel especially tender. Please know that we are here for you—whether it’s guiding conversations about care options or offering grief support during the holidays.

  • Learn more about hospice and palliative care
  • Reach out for support or resources by calling (800) 237-4629
  • Join us in honoring those who make compassionate care possible—our staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Community and Fundraising Events

11th Annual Tree Walk for HIA Hospice

Saturday, November 29th | Eagles Club, Thief River Falls, MN

The 11th annual Tree Walk for HIA Hospice will be held on November 29th from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Eagles Club #2368, located at 305 Red Lake Boulevard in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Join us for an event featuring beautifully decorated trees, food and a variety of activities throughout the day! See the schedule of events below.

Proceeds from the event will benefit HIA Hospice, in memory of loved ones who have received hospice care.

Individuals, groups, businesses and organizations can be a sponsor and decorate a tree or participate by decorating and providing a wreath or a gift basket for the silent auction. In return for your sponsorship, your company name and logo will be recognized at the event.

Event attendees can vote for their favorite tree by placing donations in buckets at each tree. A plaque will be awarded to the organization whose tree receives the most donations.

There are several options available for tree sponsorship. For more information, please contact Laurie Harger at (218) 686-3696 or email laurie.harger@gmail.com.


Grief Support

Balancing Holiday Traditions After the Death of a Loved One

Holidays and grief form an interesting tension for each of us after the death of a loved one. We feel the tension between wanting to celebrate and never wanting to celebrate again. We feel the tension between wanting to be happy and feeling guilty for being happy. We feel the tension between traditions that included the one who has died and making new traditions that include only a memory of that person. So what do we do with all this tension? And, how do we acknowledge that everyone is feeling it?

Grief Support Groups

HIA Hospice is committed to making ongoing educational and support opportunities available to our communities. Grief support groups are offered both in-person and online and are free and open to the public.


Education

Caregiver Connect

Join us for our ongoing virtual support group to help caregivers manage the stress and joys of being a caregiver. This group is for anyone who is actively providing care or support to another person.


Careers

Join Our Hearts In Action
HIA Health offers flexible, supportive careers for healthcare professionals, prioritizing well-being, growth and compassionate, patient-centered care with comprehensive benefits.

  • Heather’s House in Fargo
    • CNAs
    • LPN’s / RN’s
  • Medical Providers – HIA House Calls PRN / Part-Time / Full-Time
    • NP or PA, Bismarck, Fargo
    • NP or PA, Detroit Lakes, PRN
    • NP or PA, Fergus Falls, PRN
    • Physician – HIA Hospice, Fargo
  • Clinicians
    • RN’s: Minot, Bismarck, Fargo and more.
    • After Hours Nurses: Detroit Lakes, Fargo
    • Social Worker: Grand Forks, Detroit Lakes, Fargo
    • Chaplain: Fargo & Lake of the Woods
    • CNA’s: Various locations
  • Connecting to our mission
    • Philanthropy Officer, Grand Forks
    • Executive Assistant, Fargo
    • Provider Specialist, Fargo, Part Time
    • Facilities Specialist, Fargo

Volunteer With Us

HIA Hospice offers flexible volunteer opportunities to support patients and families, making a meaningful impact while staying active, connected, and giving back to the community.


About Our Services

HIA Hospice

For over 40 years, Hospice of the Red River Valley has provided compassionate care across the region. Now, this legacy continues as HIA Hospice, offering vital support to individuals and families during life’s most challenging moments. While only our name has changed, this transition to HIA Hospice signifies a strengthened commitment to our values and the community, as we unite the ways we serve you — because at HIA Hospice, Hearts In Action means being there when each moment matters most.

HIA House Calls

Since 2019, HIA House Calls has brought expert care directly to seriously ill adults who face challenges leaving their homes for routine clinic appointments. Our medical providers deliver compassionate, personalized, primary and palliative care to you or your loved ones, ensuring comfort and support every step of the way.

HIA Heirlooms

HIA Heirlooms is an upscale resale store and gift shop located in Fargo, N.D. It’s a one-stop destination for new and gently used furniture, clothing, housewares, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, gift items, greeting cards, home décor and more. Merchandise sold in our thrift store is generously donated by community members. All proceeds from the store support HIA Hospice, an independent, nonprofit, community-owned hospice.