Carrie Shaffer, center right, and Levi Cox, center left, react after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon at Heartland Hospice on North Vandemark Road in Sidney. The Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce organized the ceremony at the new location. Heartland also hosted an open house.
Bryant Billing | Sidney Daily News
SIDNEY — The Sidney community came to support the opening of Heartland Hospice at their ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
Heartland Hospice, an entity of Gentiva Health Services, is an agency that has been accredited and licensed with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance providers to provide the Hospice Benefit to those facing a life limiting illness. Its office is located on North Vandemark Road.
The president of Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Raible, gave a warm welcome to Heartland before introducing the other speakers in attendance.
“Wonderful people performing extraordinary work,” Raible said.
Sidney mayor Mike Barhorst spoke on how much the city has been growing and how thankful he is that Heartland chose to plant themselves here.
“I think you need only hear the hammers and look around to see that Sidney is growing, and we’re glad that you’re choosing to grow with us,” Barhorst said, alluding to the construction ongoing at a nearby apartment complex.
“Hopefully I’m not going to need your services for a while, but you never know. It’s good to know you’re here. Welcome.”
Shelby County commissioner Julie Ehemann was also present to offer congratulations.
“It’s a tough, tough situation in a lot of causes, so what you’re doing is so very valuable,” Ehemann said.
Heartland Hospice’s RN Executive Director Carrie Shaffer was given the chance to speak as well.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, putting together an amazing team, and I’m so excited to be able to provide the care that so many deserve,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer, of Jackson Center, started in the hospice industry in 2012. She said it has been her dream for over 10 years to bring comprehensive compassionate quality hospice care to her hometown, and all deserving individuals that they can reach. She said that dream has finally came true.
She said they meet patients and their families where they are and guide them in their journey by their side, every step.
Their goal is to keep patients at home, comfortable, making the absolute most of their days surrounded by those they love.
For more information about Heartland Hospice, visit their website heartlandhospice.com or call their office, (937)419-2260.
Reach Sidney Daily News reporter Anna Edmiston at 937-538-4825.
