Lawrence, MA. – On Monday, December 1, 2014 Merrimack Valley Hospice was awarded a $10,000 Eastern Bank Foundation Partnership Grant in support of the seven suite expansion of the Merrimack Valley Hospice House. The check was presented to John Albert, President and CEO of Home Health Foundation by Maria O’Halloran, Vice President, Financial Institutions and Mary Ann Jordan, Senior Vice President and Director, Financial Institutions at Merrimack Valley Hospice House.
“I am proud and honored to present this check on behalf of Eastern Bank’s Charitable Foundation,” said O’Halloran. “I had the opportunity to personally experience the compassionate support provided to patients while visiting a friend who spent his last weeks at Merrimack Valley Hospice House. It is truly an incredible resource for the community.”
“This gift in support of the expansion of Merrimack Valley Hospice House is a testament to Eastern Bank’s commitment to our community,” said Albert. I would also like to thank Bob Rivers, President and Chief Operating Officer and Shannon Mini, Vice President of Treasury Services for their support of this application which will help to ensure that the Hospice House is available to all patients and families in need.”
Since Merrimack Valley Hospice House opened in June 2009 it has been operating at or near capacity, serving more than 1,800 patients annually. Licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for a 21 suite facility, the Hospice House was designed for a two-phase construction: the initial 14 suites, then, a final phase of seven suites at a time when occupancy and demand for services exceeded capacity.
The new wing brings a total of 21 private patient suites available to patients, two of which can accommodate pediatric patients. All suites feature skylights, a patio, private bathroom and comfortable space for loved ones who can visit at any time of day or night. The wing will reflect the existing peacefulness of a home setting with family gathering area, a care station and several common areas.
Merrimack Valley Hospice is the leader in hospice care. Together with affiliate organizations Home Health VNA and HomeCare, Inc., the not-for-profit organizations form a unique and comprehensive continuum of the highest quality home health and hospice care for patients and families. For more information, visit www.MerrimackValleyHospice.org.
Mary Ann Jordan, Senior Vice President and Director, Eastern Bank; Maria O’Halloran, Vice President, Financial Institutions, Eastern Bank; John Albert, President/CEO, Home Health Foundation; Tom Mortimer, President, Haverhill Bank and member of the Compassionate Journey committee of Merrimack Valley Hospice; Meg Hogan, Vice President, External Relations, Home Health Foundation.