Senator Kaine Celebrates Federal Support for Blue Ridge Hospice’s New Senior Care Initiative

Winchester, Virginia — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) visited Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester on Thursday to celebrate the recent allocation of $561,000 in federal funds, secured with the help of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), to enhance senior care in the northern Shenandoah Valley. 

The funds will support the upcoming launch of Blue Ridge Independence at Home, a part of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is set to open on September 1, 2024. The program is designed to help seniors live independently in their homes by providing comprehensive health and social care services.

Senator Kaine, a long-time advocate for senior care, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative during his speech at the event.

 “The work that you do at Blue Ridge Hospice is really important, very important,” he said. “Having a one-stop shop for not only medical needs or mental health needs, but just for visiting and socialization, to break down the isolation some people experience as they grow older, is critical. The PACE program model is just so successful.”

Kaine shared a personal story about a close friend who recently passed away in a hospital in Winchester, emphasizing the significance of quality hospice care. 

“This PACE program will do a great job. I have no doubt, I can already feel how homey this environment is,” he added, acknowledging the warm atmosphere at the facility.

The senator highlighted the importance of federal support for community-based projects like the PACE program, noting that such initiatives are vital for enabling seniors to live independently for as long as possible. 

“When I was governor, we worked significantly on the initiation of PACE programs in Virginia. The ability to have a PACE program that really works is very critical to this mission,” Kaine said.

Kaine provided insight into the federal appropriations process that made this funding possible, acknowledging the collaborative efforts with Senator Warner in securing the necessary support. 

“Warner and I worked closely together to ensure this project received the support it deserved. Our teams coordinated to maximize what we could get for Virginia, and it’s great to see that effort paying off here,” he said.

He explained that Blue Ridge Hospice’s successful application was a result of its strong reputation and the high quality of its programs. 

“This award in the FY24 budget to you guys is a tribute to the mission, but it’s also a tribute to the fact that Blue Ridge Hospice has such a really good reputation,” Kaine said.

The event, which was attended by Blue Ridge Hospice leadership, board members, and community supporters, also served as an opportunity for Kaine to engage with the organization’s leaders on future initiatives. 

Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Hospice, expressed his deep appreciation for the federal support, emphasizing the transformative impact it will have on the community. 

“This funding is going to allow us to do something truly special,” Parsons said. “Not only will it help us achieve our goal of being the best hospice in America, but it will also enable us to expand the continuum of care and make the journey of aging and living with chronic illnesses much gentler for our friends and neighbors.”

Parsons highlighted the importance of the PACE program in fulfilling Blue Ridge Hospice’s mission. “The launch of the Blue Ridge Independence at Home program is going to be transformative for our community,” he noted. 

“It’s not just about providing care; it’s about giving seniors the opportunity to live their lives with dignity and independence in their own homes.”

Kaine concluded his visit with a commitment to continue supporting the needs of seniors in the region. 

“I can’t wait to come back sometime after you’re open and just see people here enjoying each other’s company, getting services in a really easy and convenient way,” he said.