Concord Hospital’s End-of-Life Companions Program Receives Spirit of NH Award

The End-of-Life Companions Program at Concord Hospital was recognized as an Outstanding winner in the Volunteer Champion category at the 2023 Spirit of NH Awards hosted by Volunteer NH. This award honors outstanding nonprofit/public service organizations and businesses with volunteer programs that provide the infrastructure for volunteers to be successful in service.

The End-of-Life Companions Program was established in 2022 in response to a growing awareness of patients passing without a family member or loved one by their side. Volunteers are trained to provide a compassionate and soothing presence for patients nearing the end of their lives. The program has made a significant impact with an overwhelming amount of commitment from volunteers who give their time and compassion freely.

“This award is a great compliment to all our wonderful volunteers without whom this program would not exist,” said Kate Morse, Chaplain at Concord Hospital. “Concord Hospital has a long-standing commitment to caring for patients' physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Our End-of-Life Companions volunteers continue to meet this need with skill, compassion and dedication; they are truly outstanding.”

A total of 45 volunteers work two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have various materials available to them, including soothing music, poetry books and prayers from specific religions to bring comfort to patients.

The Spirit of NH Awards is an annual celebration that recognizes volunteerism throughout the state by spotlighting those who go above and beyond the call to serve.