Bells ring in Escanaba to honor hospice patients and their caregivers

ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) – November is National Hospice Month and bells are ringing on street corners across Michigan in memory of those who have passed away in the past year while in hospice care.

Around noon Friday, OSF HealthCare Hospice nurses and volunteers were ringing bells and waving signs at the corner of 1st Avenue South and Lincoln Road.

OSF HomeHealth and Hospice Manager Leslie Hoffmeyer said the event was held as part of the state’s “Ring the Bells for Hospice” campaign to raise awareness of end-of-life care options.

“People can look into the hospice program themselves,” Hoffmeier said. “People tend to realize it too late and don’t get the benefits they could really use later in life.”

Hoffmeyer said the goal of every hospice worker is to provide the patient with the quality and care they need, helping them die with dignity and respect.

After the pastor prayed for blessings on patients and caregivers, the Escanaba High School choir sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”