For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 30, 2003
National Hospice Month, 2003 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
Hospice Care Plays An Important Role in American Medicine by Easing a
patient's suffering while reaffirming individual dignity in a familiar,
comfortable environment. Across our Nation, hospice care providers are
assisting in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences, offering
physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients who often have a
short life expectancy.
Hospice teams consist of physicians, nurses, social workers,
counselors, and volunteers who are experts in end-of-life issues. They
offer pain management, therapy, nutrition, and other supportive care in
the home or other comfortable surroundings, making it easier for
patients, family members, and friends to spend time together in their
loved one's final days. Hospice experts also offer grief counseling to
friends and family members after their loss.
Every stage of human life deserves to be treated with respect and
care. I commend all those who work and volunteer as hospice care
providers. Their contributions make our Nation a better place.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2003 as
National Hospice Month. I encourage Americans to increase their
awareness of hospice service and to observe this month with appropriate
activities and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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