Harrisburg Kiwanis learn about Hospice of Southern Illinois

Stephan Ackermann, community education coordinator with Hospice of Southern Illinois, spoke about the organization to Harrisburg Kiwanis Club at its Jan. 10 luncheon meeting at Ponderosa.

Hospice of Southern Illinois is a local, not-for-profit, free-standing organization based in Marion. Its mission is "to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness."

Hospice and palliative care are offered to those who generally have six months or less to live. To utilize hospice care, two doctors must confirm that a person's illness is terminal, Ackermann said.

He went on to say that those utilizing hospice services may no longer seek curative care; however, comfort care will still be afforded.

To learn more about Hospice of Southern Illinois, visit www.hospice.org or call (800) 233-1708.