Name to a Face: Jefferson Valley Hospice

The Jefferson Valley Hospice, a wonderful organization based in Whitehall, has been active in our community since March of 1983. It all started with a hospice training course where thirty-two people signed up, which was supplied by the Highlands Office and was the initial contact for the start of the operation.

The state licensed the group in 1984. Out of the 32 original trainees, fifteen remain on board. Some of the original members included: Jackie Uivary, Dr. Sacry, Duane Scott, Brooke Connor, local ministers, social workers, and store owners. Originally helping patients with in-home items they couldn't do, such as meals and doctor visits, Jackie Uivary and one other nurse took on most of the duties right in the patient's home. The Jefferson Valley Hospice sustained itself with this care method and its two nurses for quite some time.

Medicare eventually adopted hospice into its system, and Helena was able to send nurses to Jefferson County to take care of the patients. It left this little organization with the equipment and the want to help others in the community. Unfortunately, many of our community do not know about this valuable resource in our town. Right now, they have equipment that many can use in medical incidents, such as hospital beds, shower chairs, walkers, crutches, medical porta potties, canes, Knee Rovers, wheelchairs, three-pronged canes, boots, and replacement parts. These items, all in excellent condition, are provided free of charge, with the request to be brought back clean and sanitized.

The Jefferson Valley Hospice first used the Veterans Center with Bernadette Conner's help; however, they now have a storage unit at Lucky J Storage. Run strictly on donations, the cancellation of the annual Wreath Auction due to COVID-19 hurt the organization and they are looking for donations to help sustain services. An account at Rocky Mountain Bank is available and donations are much appreciated and needed at this time. Monies donated are used for storage unit rent and upkeep of current equipment.

The group's current members include: Jackie Uivary, Duane Scott, Garry Getz, Jerry Fleege, Ted Kamrud, Sally Kreis, Edie French, Terrie Casagrande, and Bob Casagrande.

The Jefferson County Hospice group is such a valuable resource to Whitehall we can not let it slip away. If you are interested in becoming a member, talk to any of the current members; they all would love to see new faces dedicated to helping others. Your donations mean the world to them and the people they assist.