Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Nonprofit Hospices

In the delicate tapestry of end-of-life care, nonprofit hospices stand out as beacons of compassion and support. At the core of these organizations, beating alongside the rhythm of empathy, are […]
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Understanding Referrals and Admissions to Hospice

In the intricate tapestry of end-of-life care, the journey towards hospice is often a delicate balance between medical necessity, compassionate support, and seamless transitions. The process of referrals and admissions […]
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Housecalls, a new home-based primary care service, is launched in Corvallis area

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care today announced the launch of Housecalls, a new home-based service that provides an accessible way for patients to receive primary care when it is nearly […]
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Embracing a New Year While Grieving

As the calendar turns its page to a new year, many embark on a journey of resolutions, fresh starts, and hopeful beginnings. However, for those who are grieving the death […]
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Grief During the Holidays: Podcasts

The holidays can be a challenging time, especially when you are grieving a loss. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has compiled a list of podcasts that you may […]
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Year-End Strategies for Charitable Giving

As the year draws to a close, many individuals are contemplating their charitable giving strategies to make a positive impact before the calendar turns. Year-end giving is not only a […]
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Heartfelt Gifts for Hospice Patients

The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, and for those spending their days in hospice care, the significance of thoughtful gifts becomes even more pronounced. When choosing […]
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Afternoon Live: National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

November is National Palliative & Hospice Care Month. Heather Thayne, Care Partners nurse, joined KATU’s Afternoon Live to share how hospice offers personalized care and comfort, helping patients and families […]
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AM Northwest: National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

November is National Palliative & Hospice Care Month. Paul Kirk, MD, a retired physician and Care Partners board member, joined KATU’s AM Northwest to share how hospice offers personalized care […]
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Ask The Expert: Hospice and Palliative Care Options

PORTLAND, Ore. — Setting up long-term care, or end-of-life care, can be confusing and stressful, during a time when families are already dealing with so much. Dr. Helen Kao, MD., the […]
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Governor Proclaims November as National Hospice & Palliative Care Month

On November 7th, 2023, Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed November as National Hospice & Palliative Care Month. The proclamation reads: WHEREAS: Hospice and palliative care provide compassionate support and comfort to […]
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Referring to Hospice Care Early

Receiving a terminal diagnosis is an incredibly challenging and emotional moment for both patients and their families. However, one decision that can greatly impact the quality of life in these […]
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Jimmy Carter hospice milestone

Six months ago, Former President Jimmy Carter elected to start hospice care in the comfort of his Georgia home. As the Value of Hospice in Medicare study shows, at any […]
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Oregon POLST Form Updates

Did you know there were changes to the Oregon POLST form this year? Watch this video to see what is new and what you should do.
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When caregiving ends

When your person dies and your caregiving journey ends, how do you recover from the loss and rebuild your life? This recent article by Connie Baher examines the process of […]
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The Nonprofit Difference

In the 1980s and 1990s nonprofits provided nearly all hospice care in the United States, but today there are more than 4600 hospices operating in the US and approximately 70% […]
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Nonprofit hospices provide better care

A recent article in the New York Times shed light on a topic that continues to be front and center: nonprofit hospices are providing better care than for-profit hospices. To […]
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National Hospice Locator Now Sorting Providers By Quality

Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care provides compassionate and skilled end-of-life care that is vital for those facing terminal illnesses and their families. That’s why we are excited to share that […]
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Hospice means more than care for the last few days

In a recent Boston Globe Opinion article, Joan Wickersham, a writer living in Massachusetts, shares her family’s experience with hospice care. Stories like Joan’s go a long way in helping […]
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President Carter’s hospice care

It has now been 65 days since the announcement that former president, Jimmy Carter had entered hospice care. President Carter’s brave decision to publicly share his end-of-life journey is raising […]
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Lumina nurse wins Elizabeth Wessinger Award

Each year the Oregon Hospice & Palliative Care Association (OHPCA) chooses an individual who makes a difference for end-of-life care in our state or across the nation. The Elizabeth Wessinger […]
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What to say to someone in hospice

Knowing what to say when someone tells you they or their loved one have signed on to hospice can be challenging. One of the reasons people don’t know what to […]
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Families report better care from nonprofit hospices

A recent study completed by the RAND Corporation shows that nonprofit hospices provide better care than for-profit hospices. RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges […]
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COVID-19 public health emergency set to expire

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is set to expire May 11, 2023. The Oregon mandate for face mask use in healthcare settings will be lifted April 3, 2023. Starting April […]
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Lumina hosting open house job fair

Calling all CNA, RN, LMFT, LPC, LCSW! We are hiring and we want you to apply! Join us at Lumina (720 SW 4th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333) for an Open […]
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Lumina provides workshops for family caregivers

Do you or someone you know care for a family member or friend? Do they struggle with managing the stress that comes with caregiving? The Powerful Tools for Caregivers six-week […]
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Albany Parks & Recreation installs telephone in the wind

From Albany Parks & Recreation (Oregon): City Councilor Ray Kopczynski came to us with a very sweet idea…A Telephone in the Wind. Place a disconnected telephone in the woods, available […]
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Lumina offers education through community presentations

Lumina offers education to the community through presentations on various topics such as Hospice 101, Advance Care Planning, Starting the Conversation, Supporting a Friend in Grief, Managing Stress for Caregivers, […]
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Lumina staff participate in Season of Giving

Lumina staff shopped for and wrapped gifts for kids in need as part of Family Tree Relief Nursery’s Season of Giving. This campaign ensures children across Linn County receive a […]
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Lumina provides holiday treat to Meals on Wheels recipients

As Hospice & Palliative Care month (November) came to a close, Lumina volunteers put together 750 special holiday treats for Meals on Wheels recipients in our community. These treats were […]
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Lumina participates in Lebanon Holidays in the Park

Holidays in the Park is a long standing community event in Lebanon, Oregon. Ralston Park in Lebanon is decorated by several different businesses and community groups throughout November. On the […]
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Lumina participates in Albany Carousel’s Festival of Wreaths

For the second year in a row, Lumina participated in the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum’s Festival of Wreaths. Lumina’s wreath featured purple items (Lumina’s signature color) and items used […]
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Lumina Announces New Executive Director

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care announces the appointment of Amy Baird as Executive Director. Baird has served as Lumina’s Social Services Manager for two years, overseeing bereavement, caregiver support, volunteer, […]
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Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Joins Albany New Business Generation NBG

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care is excited to announce that we are members of Albany New Business Generation (NBG).  NBG is a network of local business owners and managers who […]
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Dispelling Hospice Myths

Myth: Hospice is for people who are giving up. Truth: While hospice is end-of-life care, it is not a death sentence. Hospice care is tailored to each patient’s needs with […]
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Lumina hosting screening of documentary Prison Terminal

In partnership with Humane Prison Hospice Project, Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care will host a film screening of Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall, followed by a […]
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What to know when considering a hospice provider

For some, considering hospice can be scary. However, hospice does not bring on death. Hospice provides peace, comfort, and quality care that is tailored to each individual’s needs. Not all […]
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Who Pays for Hospice Care?

When a person chooses hospice care, they have decided they no longer want to seek curative treatments, or their doctor has determined that curative efforts are no longer working. A […]
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What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is available to patients who have a prognosis of 6 months or less. It does not mean death is imminent, but that a transition in care would be […]
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We need your help spreading the word about Lumina!

After experiencing unprecedented turnover in 2021, we are thrilled to share that—despite the challenges of recruiting during a national nurse staffing crisis—Lumina has welcomed five new nurses to our team […]
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Nurses make a difference

May is Nurses Month. The theme this year is Nurses Make a Difference to honor the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact on our lives. Our nurses here at Lumina […]
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What is the difference between palliative care and hospice?

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care The goals of hospice and palliative care are very similar: to relieve symptoms of a serious illness, provide comfort from pain, and improve quality of […]
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Dr. Helen Kao honored as the American Geriatrics Society’s 2022 Clinician of the Year

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) today named Helen S. Kao, MD, as its 2022 Clinician of the Year. Dr. Kao, who is Medical Director of Clinical Innovations at Lumina Hospice […]
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Stages of Dying

Dying is a sacred time in life, filled with meaning and important life tasks. Despite its inevitability, death is an unfamiliar process for most of us. Each person brings to […]
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The time is right for social work

Amy Baird, Social Services Clinical Manager March is Social Work Month. This year the theme for Social Work Month is “The time is right for social work!” I’d like to think the time […]
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Lumina expands clinical team

Lumina welcomes three new nurses to their team! Chris (left) joins Lumina as a Referral Nurse Coordinator. Chris comes to us from Colorado and brings experience as a licensed practical […]
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Lumina welcomes new Manager of Quality

Lumina welcomes Mo Weinman, RN to their team as Manager of Quality. Mo joins Lumina with 19 years of critical care experience and two years of clinical faculty experience. Mo […]
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Lumina nursing staff expands under new leadership

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care announces Shannon Winterton, RN as Director of Nursing and welcomes five new members to the nursing team: Jenny Larkin, RN; Chris Miller, LPN; Susan Sparks, […]
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Lumina welcomes new Registered Nurses

Lumina welcomes Jenny (pictured left) to their team as an RN. Jenny has spent the last five years as a critical care nurse. As a nurse, Jenny enjoys the opportunity […]
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Hospice depends on solving nursing shortage

Dr. Helen Kao, Lumina’s Medical Director of Clinical Innovations, and Barb Hansen, CEO of the Oregon Hospice and Palliative Care Association, recently submitted a letter to the Oregonian about the […]
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Grieving During the Holidays

Grief support is available to anyone in the community at no charge (no hospice affiliation required). Reach out to us if you are in need of support by calling our […]
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Lumina Welcomes New LPN

Lumina welcomes Shannon Rose to their team as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Shannon began her career as a CNA and worked through nursing school while raising three children as a […]
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Lumina Welcomes New RN Case Manager

Lumina welcomes Jody to their team as RN Case Manager. Jody was inspired to become a nurse after spending time as a hospice volunteer. She has worked in a variety […]
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National Hospice & Palliative Care Month Kicks Off

Lumina’s Director of Development, Marketing and Outreach recently sat down (via Zoom) with The Corvallis Advocate to take a deep dive into the world of hospice and palliative care. Take […]
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Lumina Welcomes New Clinical Support Specialist

Lumina welcomes Lesley to their team as Clinical Support Specialist. Lesley recently graduated from Oregon State University. She has worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for the past three […]
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Lumina Welcomes New Administrative Assistant

Lumina welcomes Katherine to their team as administrative assistant! Katherine holds degrees in social and behavioral sciences, and liberal studies. She has spent the past 10 years working with Child […]
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Support for those living with a life-limiting illness

LUMINA’S TRANSITIONS PROGRAM provides assis­tance free of charge to those living with a life-limiting illness—who are either not ready or not eligible for hospice care. Dealing with a life-limiting illness […]
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COVID-19 Response

How is Lumina responding to COVID-19? During this public health emergency, our Resource Center remains closed to visitors for the time being. For any questions, please call our office at […]
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Lumina Welcomes New Nurse

Lumina welcomes Lou Ann to our team as an RN. She holds a bachelor degree in nursing from Oregon Institute of Technology. Lou Ann moved to Oregon from Wisconsin two […]
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Lumina Welcomes New RN Case Manager

Lumina welcomes Shannon to our team as an RN Case Manager. She holds an associate’s degree in nursing and is currently studying for her BSN at Western Governors University. She is […]
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Open Heart Community Memorial Now On Display

Grief softens when we name and acknowledge our losses.  Nearly 300 names were submitted to Lumina’s Open Heart Community Memorial. The community also submitted other losses such as “sharing meals” […]
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Lumina Welcomes New Community Engagement Coordinator

Lumina welcomes Holly Terlson to our team as the Community Engagement Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and has extensive experience working with local nonprofit agencies […]
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Lumina Nurse Jessie Galusha recognized by Democrat-Herald

Jessie is a passionate advocate helping patients and families obtain appropriate and necessary help during a difficult time of their lives.
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How Is Lumina Responding To COVID-19?

At this time of social distancing, it's more important than ever that those who are grieving, isolated or suffering loss connect. We continue to provide grief support and caregiver support online and by phone.
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Lumina Turns 40, Celebrating History and Expansion

Source: Corvallis Gazette Times, published on Nov 30, 2020, updated Dec 3, 2020 “My parents felt like — my family felt like — they were there 24/7 for us,” she […]
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We Are Hiring

Lumina is hiring several positions to add to our wonderful team of clinicians and adminstrative support staff.  View our positions available here.  Did you know Lumina made it on the […]
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Lumina Announces New Medical Director

Daniel Harris assumed the position of medical director of Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care in Corvallis effective Sept. 1.He succeeds Shawn Foley, who served as medical director for the past […]
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Nutrition and Brain Health

By Athena Nofziger, RDN, CSO, LD, Dietitian at Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Mediterranean Diet and Brain Health Eating foods that increase inflammation such as high saturated fats foods and […]
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Stacy Cole Promoted To Clinical Manager

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care has announced the promotion of Stacy Cole, RN to the Clinical Manager position. Ms. Cole joined Lumina as a Registered Nurse Case Manager in April […]
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Powerful Tools For Caregivers Class To Be Held In Corvallis

The stress of providing care for a family member or friend with a chronic or disabling condition causes the caregiver’s health to also be at risk. It is important for […]
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Family Caregiver Appreciation

November is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a time to celebrate family caregivers; a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Caregiving can have harmful mental health […]
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Powerful Tools For Caregivers Class To Be Held In Albany

The stress of providing care for a family member or friend with a chronic or disabling condition causes the caregiver’s health to also be at risk. It is important for […]
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Lumina Holds 50/50 Raffle At Corvallis Knights Game

On Saturday, July 13 a team of twelve staff and volunteers from Lumina descended on Goss Stadium at Coleman Field on Oregon State University campus to sell raffle tickets to those […]
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Lumina Announces Elizabeth French As New Executive Director

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care has announced the appointment of Elizabeth French as Executive Director. Ms. French brings with her a broad business background and 30 years of experience in […]
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Four Oregon Community Hospices Join Forces In The Oregon Non-Profit Hospice Alliance

Innovative cooperative model is being implemented for the first time in Oregon Four founding members serve about half of all Oregon counties: Care Partners Hospice & Palliative, Lumina Hospice & […]
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How Physicians and EMTS Interpret POLST Orders

POLST: Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment How physicians and EMTs interpret the orders Free event on March 21, 2019 The Oregon Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form has recently […]
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Lumina Achieves Level 3: We Honor Veterans

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care has achieved the We Honor Veterans Partner Level Three (out of four). We Honor Veterans (WHV) is an awareness campaign developed by National Hospice and […]
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Lumina Announces New Board Members

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care, Mid-Willamette Valley’s resource for those nearing end-of-life, has announced two additions to its board of directors, Maureen Nikaido and Tamara Scoville. Continuing board members are […]
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Lumina Thanks Oregon Arts Commission

Lumina received a $4,000 Arts Build Communities grant from the Oregon Arts Commissionto provide art and music based intervention for hospice patients living in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Funds will be […]
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Lumina At The 42ND Annual OSU Conference

Aging: Services and Support — the 42nd Annual OSU Gerontology Conference takes place on April 4-5, 2018. This two-day conference, held at Oregon State University, will feature workshops by leading geriatric […]
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Dr. Helen Kao To Speak At Corvallis City Club

Vital Signs: Effective programs for aging adults As Baby Boomers enter their seventies, educators and health-care professionals are tracking the results of programs intended to help older adults maintain health […]
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Hospice Volunteers Enrich Lives

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to enrich the lives of patients in all the communities of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Hospice volunteers may provide respite care, go […]
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Oregonian Names Lumina Top Workplace 2017

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care, founded as Benton Hospice Service, has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by The Oregonian. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the […]
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Sponsors Help Reveal Lumina Name

Because we found that many people thought we only served people in Benton County, Benton Hospice Service recently changed its name to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care. We announced the […]
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We Have Changed Our Name! Message From The Executive Director

As Executive Director, I want to share some very exciting news with you.  Benton Hospice Service has changed our name and logo!  Our new name is Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care.  You […]
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