HIA Hospice Honors Veterans
Honoring our nation’s Veterans includes not only acknowledging their service and sacrifice but also supporting them throughout their entire lives. HIA Hospice has had the honor of providing care for thousands of Veterans since our founding in 1981.
Approximately 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are those who served in the military. To reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, HIA Hospice recognizes Veterans.
HIA Hospice accompanies and guides Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful end through recognizing the unique needs of those who served in the military. In cases where there might be some specific needs related to military service, combat experience, or traumatic events, HIA Hospice has specialized resources and training to help.
Our staff and volunteers, some of whom have served in the military themselves, take great pride in honoring Veteran patients and their families.
Partners in Service
Our Veterans deserve the highest-quality end-of-life care possible. HIA Hospice is honored to partner with several organizations to help ensure hospice services are available to Veterans in our region. Through our partnerships with the Veterans Administration Medical Center, the North Dakota and Minnesota Veterans Homes, and various fraternal organizations, we continually look for ways to grow and improve our outreach to Veterans and their families.
We have a special need for volunteers who have served in the military. Are you interested in volunteering with Veterans? Get started here.
We extend our thanks to the many people who have served in the military and their families, who have allowed us to give back by serving those who have served for us. It is truly an honor and a privilege to provide care for these American heroes.
Veterans’ Resources
For information about the hospice VA benefit, visit Hospice Care for Veterans.
For information about VA benefits, visit benefits.va.gov/benefits.
To locate a local Veteran service officer (VSO), visit nacvso.org.
Celebration Bears
Celebration Bears are handmade by HIA Hospice volunteers. These special bears are made from your loved one’s clothing so you may have a keepsake to remember and celebrate their memory.
Families whose loved one was served by HIA Hospice may request bears up to 13 months after the death of their loved one.
- There is a limit of two (2) bears per HIA Hospice patient.
- Please supply approximately ½ yard of usable fabric per bear. (This is roughly a men’s medium-sized shirt.)
- Recommended fabrics include corduroy, fleece, flannel, sweatshirts, terry cloth, and 100% cotton.
- We do not recommend silk, thick robes, lace, denim, or clothing with holes.
- All remaining fabric and other items will be discarded. Please do not submit anything you are not willing to have discarded, including buttons, patches, or other embellishments.
- You are responsible for dropping off fabric or clothing and picking up the bear(s) up once completed. Should you need bears shipped, please note there is a $20 charge.
- Celebration Bears are handmade by our volunteers. Irregularities and imperfections should be expected.
- Volunteers strive to complete bears in a timely manner. Please allow a minimum of three months for completion. We will contact you when your bears are ready for pickup.
- Celebration Bears should not be placed in a crib with small children. Allow small children to play with the bear only under adult supervision.
If you would like a Celebration Bear, please call (800) 237-4629 and ask for a volunteer coordinator or email the Volunteer Team at volunteer@hiahealth.org.
