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MISSION Hospice Huronia strives to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families facing life-threatening illness or bereavement. Trained volunteers provide physical, emotional and social support at home, in hospital or nursing home. PHILOSOPHY It is about living. Hospice Huronia believes that there is much that can be done to help individuals and their families face life-threatening illness and/or bereavement with dignity and quality in their lives. Companionship, spiritual and emotional connectedness offer both the giver and receiver a special gift. Individuals should have good access to pain and symptom control and a choice in how they receive care. Each person is respected within an atmosphere of confidentiality. VISION Hospice Huronia will continue to provide a credible, quality, volunteer visitor program. Hospice Huronia will implement strategies to enhance services to the community through continued sensitivity to end-of-life and bereavement needs. Hospice Huronia is committed to advocate for growth both internally and externally through collaboration and support of service delivery initiatives. Hospice Huronia will increase and strengthen its public profile to promote accessibility to support services. Hospice Huronia will continue to be recognized as a quality resource in end-of-life and bereavement care. 
Established Hospice Huronia was established in response to a need identified by the Palliative Care Coordinator at Penetanguishene General Hospital. A community steering committee created Hospice Huronia in 1993 with a few dedicated volunteers and the organization became incorporated in 1994. Our purpose is to provide comfort and support to individuals suffering a terminal illness and to allow them to die with dignity surrounded by their families and friends. Our client base has grown from a handful of families in 1994 to providing service to approximately 140 families and individuals. We currently have 60 active volunteers who provide thousands of hours of volunteer visiting and kilometers. Our volunteers also provide administrative support and help at fund raising events. Hospice Huronia is presently managed by a volunteer Board of 11 directors. The Board fulfills a mandate to plan, promote, and monitor the organization’s activities. Hospice Huronia employs one full-time and two part-time staff members. Contribution Our greatest contribution is the caring and support given to our clients and their families. Allowing terminally ill clients to die with hospice palliative care and support from their families is the greatest gift. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association reports that 95% of Canadians want quality hospice palliative care at the end of their lives, yet currently less than 15% of Canadians have access to this type of care. Hospice Huronia has provided the residents of North Simcoe access to hospice palliative care services for more than twelve years, yet remains one of the community’s "best kept secrets". One of our goals is to become more visible in the community so we can offer support earlier in the treatment program of our clients. Challenges/Opportunities It is a constant challenge to find new avenues to explore in order to spread the word, inform and increase awareness within the North Simcoe community. An informative and continuing program of education and awareness has been determined to be an essential component of future planning and growth by the current Board of Directors. A second constant challenge is financial. Increased public awareness and profile would enhance Hospice Huronia’s opportunities in this area. Additional sources of regular funding would decrease the need for fundraising initiatives, time consuming activities for both staff and volunteers using valuable resources we need to meet our client service goals. Working With Others Hospice Huronia works as part of a multidisciplinary team in the North Simcoe area. There is frequent communication with the Community Care Access Centre and physicians at both local hospitals. We offer continuing education seminars to service agencies providing care to increase their knowledge and assist in the referral process. Our visiting volunteers are trained to recognize problems with their clients and the families and are encouraged to advocate on their behalf. Hospice Huronia is respected in the community by the health care teams. Test Your Knowledge of Hospice Huronia
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