Hospice Community Breakfast Highlights Local Care, Family Support

Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties drew community members, health professionals and civic leaders to its Sixth Annual Community Breakfast on November 5, 2025, in Middletown, a gathering intended to illuminate the role of hospice care in local lives. Co moderated by Eric Gatsik, chief executive officer of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, and Heather Bell, president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, the free event offered first hand accounts from family members, staff and volunteers about the impact of hospice services.

Organizers emphasized hospice as a locally rooted service that relies on teams of caregivers, volunteers and community partnerships to meet the needs of patients and families. Presenters described the range of support hospice provides, including emotional and spiritual care as well as practical help navigating end of life decisions and resources. Coverage of the program was posted by Focus Media on November 7, 2025, and the hospice event page included logistics and registration information for those seeking seats or more information about services.

For Orange County residents, the breakfast served both as education and outreach. By sharing personal stories in a public forum, hospice leaders aimed to reduce stigma around end of life care, increase awareness of available supports, and invite neighbors to participate as volunteers or donors. The complimentary nature of the event and the decision to hold it at a community venue reflected an effort to make information accessible and to welcome people who might not otherwise engage with hospice agencies.

The event also has broader public health implications. Hospice care can reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, ease caregiver burden, and improve quality of life for patients with serious illness. In community settings like Orange and Sullivan counties, accessible hospice services contribute to health equity by offering culturally competent support and by filling gaps in home based care. Organizers highlighted the importance of a stable caregiver workforce and volunteer corps, a concern that intersects with county level planning for aging populations and health care workforce development.

Policy and funding decisions at state and federal levels shape how hospice care is delivered locally, including eligibility rules and reimbursement through Medicare and other insurers. Local leaders at the breakfast signaled the need for continued community investment in training, outreach and transportation to ensure that hospice is available to residents across income levels and geographic areas.

The breakfast concluded with information for attendees on how to learn more or reserve seats at future programs. Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties encourages community members to consult its event page for registration and contact details to connect with services or volunteer opportunities.