Causes: Hospices, Human Services

Mission: Hospice of West Alabama (HOWA) provides support and care for persons in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and as comfortable as possible. HOWA recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of life. Hospice affirms life, and neither hastens nor postpones death. It is a coordinator program of palliative and supportive services provided in both home and inpatient settings, which provides for a physical, psychological, social and spiritual care for dying persons and their families.

Target demographics: terminally ill patients

Direct beneficiaries per year: 846 patients

Geographic areas served: West Alabama

Programs: Hospice provides a mulit-disciplinary program of care in the final stages of a terminally ill patients' life and support for the family. The organization offers both in-patient and out-patient services. Approximately 80-90 patients receive care per day. Expenses include direct medical care costs including: drugs, medical equipment and supplies, nursing care, social workers, and chaplains.