On Oct. 11, 2008 activities will take place around the world to honour World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, this year themed “Hospice and palliative care: a human right.”

“It’s an important day for world-wide awareness and for raising awareness here at home about the need for hospice and palliative care services,” says Hospice Huntsville board member Chuck MacDougall. “Our banner recognizing the day will be going up across the swing bridge today, and we encourage people to visit our website at www.hospicehuntsville.com to learn more about our services.”

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day takes place the second Saturday of October every year and aims to raise awareness about the availability of hospice and palliative care services and to educate people about the issues – medical, social, practical and spiritual – people living with a life limiting illness and their families face. Last year 70 countries took part in the effort.

“Everbody should have the opportunity to pass away with dignity, and in an

environment with caring individuals helping to make them comfortable,” says MacDougall of this year’s theme. “Hospice Huntsville helps to make this a reality.”

As part of 2008’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, Hospice Huntsville hosted their first annual Haircuts For Hospice on Oct. 6. The initiative saw three area salons offer a wash and hair cut for $20, with all funds being directed to the local organization thanks to the salons’ generosity.

Sally Brady, co-chair of the fundraising committee for Hospice Huntsville, hopes to see the event grow and continue in the future, and says the response from the community was great.

“People really embraced the idea,” said Brady. “From the salons to the people who stopped in for a hair cut, it was a great day full of information about what Hospice Huntsville does.”

A registered not-for-profit charity, Hospice Huntsville provides support to individuals in the Huntsville area who are facing end-of-life situations. This support is also extended to their families and caregivers and is provided in the setting of their choice. All services of Hospice Huntsville are offered at no cost. To learn more, please visit www.hospicehuntsville.com or call 705-789-6878.