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In healthcare, equitable access to hospice care remains a pressing concern, particularly within minority communities. Despite concerted efforts to address disparities, Black Americans continue to be underrepresented in hospice and palliative care services, a trend Gilchrist, a leading provider of end-of-life care for 30 years, is actively working to change.

“We’re creating a paradigm shift around how hospitals communicate with communities of color. We’re going into communities and humbly asking what we can do to better serve their needs,” Wayman Scott, Associate Director of DEI and Community Relations, said.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, a staggering 82% of Medicare beneficiaries who elected hospice care in 2018 were white, while only about 1% were Black. And locally, a study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and collaborating institutions, revealed only 34.9% of Black participants utilized hospice services compared to 46.2% of white participants.

Recognizing the critical need for equitable hospice care, Gilchrist seeks to understand and address the root causes of disparities in hospice utilization through community listening sessions and focus groups.

“Gilchrist is doing what we can to reduce barriers and the disparities due to a lack of trust caused by systemic and historic injustice in the healthcare system,” Scott said.

Presence is key. At the heart of Gilchrist’s commitment to serving Black communities in Baltimore lies the William L. and Victorine Q. Adams Gilchrist Center Baltimore. Named after two African American pillars of the local community, this state-of-the-art facility situated at Stadium Place on East 33rd Street serves as a beacon of hope for residents of Baltimore City and their families.

“We’re creating more accessibility for people in the city. We want to be where the people are and we want to reduce barriers,” Scott said.

Gilchrist Center Baltimore focuses on meeting the diverse needs of the city’s population with a range of services and programs including underserved populations, homeless individuals and veterans.

Through initiatives such as the “We Honor Veterans” program, Gilchrist honors veterans’ service through special ceremonies, storytelling sessions, and companionship programs.

One of the hallmark events is the annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, scheduled for April 7. This event, open to all veterans and their loved ones free of charge, serves as a poignant tribute to veterans and their families, providing a platform to commemorate their service and sacrifices.

“The most important thing is to have veterans come together to socialize and share stories, memories, and just have camaraderie with each other,” William “Bill” Hill, a retired US Army sergeant and Gilchrist volunteer, said. “A lot of veterans, especially during the Vietnam War, who came home really did not receive the welcome that they deserved by serving our country. It’s a way that all veterans are honored and to say thank you for your service.”

Gilchrist’s dedication to equitable hospice care and veteran support exemplifies its commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and honoring the contributions of underserved communities. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Gilchrist continues to make strides in ensuring access to dignified end-of-life care and support for all, regardless of race or background.

To learn more about Gilchrist or to register for the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration, visit, https://gilchristcares.org/events/