NEEDED HOSPICE SERVICES DENIED

On Friday February 25th, the Hospice House Foundation, Four Seasons, and many supportive citizens of Macon County received word that the CON application for a six-bed hospice inpatient facility submitted late last year was denied. “We are very disappointed in the states decision not to approve our Certificate of Need application. We had hoped for an approval, but were aware that a Certificate of Need is not always awarded to the applicant during the first submission. However, we know there is a need as the state, on several occasions, has approved petitions to the State Medical Facility Plan stating that a six- bed inpatient facility was warranted to serve a six county Western North Carolina region,” said Alderson. Chris Comeaux, President of Four Seasons, commented, “We are carefully studying the state’s response to our application. We have other options and are considering them all”. Alderson stated, “We are undeterred. Our original position has not changed and we are determined to see that the need is fulfilled. We believe that we can make this project a reality for our community. No one else was willing to step up and meet that need.” An additional reason stated in the denial of the CON response was the lack of demonstration of ability to raise funds for the project. “One of the things the state wanted to see was strong commitment and support for a hospice house from the community in the form of dollars raised. We have done very well in raising funds to date, especially considering that we have yet to begin our Capital Campaign. We will continue to work hard to raise the funds needed for the Hospice House through fund raisers such as our third annual Cut-a-Thon, which will be held June 11th this year, as well as through a Capital Campaign”, Alderson added. In November, hundreds of people in the community attended the public hearing in support of the project. “We knew that this would be a long hard road. For the residents of our community we will remain diligent to find a way for our dream of a hospice house to become a reality,” said Alderson. The Hospice House Foundation and Four Seasons will keep the community apprised as they determine the best course of action to proceed with this process. No other remarks will be made until another press release is issued. For more information contact: Michele Alderson, President Hospice House Foundation of WNC, Inc. PO Box 815 Franklin, NC 28744 828-524-6375 Macon County News article about this decision, March 3, 2011: Hospice House facility denied state approval PRESS RELEASE Date: March 1, 2011 Contact: Michele Alderson 524-6375 micheleralderson@yahoo.com