On Friday, September 20, nearly 100 people gathered in the Susan McLane Memorial Garden at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, NH, to mark the 30th anniversary of its opening. The Hospice House, located at 240 Pleasant St, opened in April 1994, and was the first of its kind in New Hampshire.

Granite VNA, which also marks its 125th anniversary this year, has provided hospice services to residents in central New Hampshire since 1981. Prior to opening Hospice House, hospice care was provided in patients’ homes, and in hospitals or nursing homes.

“Hospice House was created in 1994 as a place where community members with terminal illness could find care and comfort – regardless of their ability to pay. Today, it continues to be just that and more. It is a place where our team of dedicated hospice staff and volunteers provide around-the-clock care, guidance and support for patients and their families during what is often the most emotionally intense and exhausting time of their lives,” said Beth Slepian, President and CEO, Granite VNA. “Over the past 30 years, we’ve faced many challenges, but the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tested our resilience like never before. Despite restrictions, shifting guidelines, staffing shortages, and stress, our team remained dedicated to prioritizing patient care and comfort, and I could not be more proud.”

Since its opening 30 years ago, Hospice House has continued to support patients and their loved ones, providing them with quality care and comfort during one of life’s most difficult times.

“Hospice House is more than just a place; it is a cornerstone of our community and a vital partner of Concord Hospital,” said Robert Steigmeyer, President and CEO, Capital Region Healthcare and Concord Hospital. “When patients and families in our care reach the decision to enter hospice, we are fortunate to be able to refer them to Granite VNA and Hospice House, where we know they will find comfort, dignity, and peace during one of life’s most challenging times.”

U.S. Representative Ann McLane Kuster personally reflected on her family’s experience with the vital services provided through hospice care. “I understand the profound impact quality, compassionate care can have on those in hospice, and it truly makes all the difference,” said Kuster. “Over the course of 30 years, Granite VNA has provided that comfort, care and dignity to patients and their families during one of the most impactful times of their lives, and today, there is no doubt in my mind that they are here with us.”

The Susan McLane Memorial Garden at Hospice House was named for Representative Kuster’s mother Susan McLane, who served in the New Hampshire Legislature for 25 years, and was instrumental in ushering-in legislation that paved the way for what we now know as ‘advanced directives’ – binding agreements meant to ease the burden of end-of-life decisions, and to hospice services.

Since opening its doors in 1994, thousands of patients and their loved ones have received care and comfort at Hospice House. Granite VNA provides more than $2 million in community benefit annually through services offered by Hospice House.