Breaking Barriers: Expanding Hospice Care in Underserved Communities

At Gilchrist, we believe that everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and support at the end of life, regardless of race, background, or financial situation. Unfortunately, many underserved communities face barriers to hospice care, leading to inequities in access and quality of care.

Black/African American and Latino individuals, for example, are less likely to use hospice services than White individuals. Many in these communities lack insurance, have a deep mistrust of the healthcare system, or prefer aggressive treatments rather than comfort-focused care. Additionally, language barriers and cultural differences can make it harder for families to get the support they need.

That’s why Gilchrist is working to change this. Through education, community outreach, and culturally sensitive care, we are helping more families understand how hospice can improve quality of life for their loved ones.

Addressing Hospice Disparities in the Community

Studies show that Black/African Americans face higher rates of serious health conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, and high blood pressure, leading to more hospital visits and emergency care. Yet, they are much less likely to use hospice services, even though hospice can help manage pain and symptoms while providing emotional and spiritual support.

Similarly, Latino, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities use hospice care at much lower rates than White individuals, even when their medical needs are the same. Gilchrist is addressing these disparities head-on by increasing awareness and building trust within these communities. “We’re going into communities and humbly asking what we can do to better serve their needs,” shares Wayman Scott, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Gilchrist. After attending Gilchrist’s community discussions, nearly 90% of African American participants said they had a better understanding of hospice care and would recommend it to their families.

At Gilchrist, our approach includes:

• Hosting community listening sessions to understand the concerns and needs of different groups.
• Partnering with local organizations to share information about hospice care.
• Offering multilingual resources and culturally sensitive care to make services more accessible.

Supporting African American Veterans Through Hospice

Another group facing barriers to hospice care is African American veterans. With over 16.2 million veterans in the U.S., African American veterans make up about 12.4% of that group—a number that is expected to grow to 15% by 2048.

Yet, despite serving our country, African American veterans are much less likely to use hospice services than White veterans. Gilchrist is working to change this by helping veterans and their families understand how hospice can provide peace and dignity in their final days.

​At Gilchrist, we are dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans through our comprehensive We Honor Veterans program. This initiative ensures that veterans receive the recognition and care they deserve during their end-of-life journey. Our efforts include:​

• Salute to Service Ceremonies: We conduct formal ceremonies where veterans are presented with a military service lapel pin, certificate, and a hand-knit American flag blanket. These tributes offer pride and peace to our veterans, bringing together family and friends to celebrate their military service.
• Veterans History Project: In collaboration with the U.S. Library of Congress, we collect and preserve personal accounts of veterans. This initiative ensures that future generations can hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. ​
• Operation Gratitude: Our veteran volunteers visit local schools to share their service stories. In return, students create cards of gratitude, which we distribute to veterans during various tributes.
• Vet-to-Vet Task Force: This volunteer-based service connects active-duty or veteran volunteers with our veteran hospice patients, providing companionship and understanding through shared military experiences. ​

Gilchrist’s Commitment to Expanding Hospice Access

At Gilchrist, we are committed to ensuring that all patients, regardless of background, receive the compassionate care they deserve. By working directly with communities, offering culturally appropriate resources, and building trust, we are helping to break down the barriers to hospice care.

To learn more about how Gilchrist is expanding hospice access in underserved communities, visit gilchristcares.org/about.