STAFF REPORT

On Thursday, April 9, Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham signed a proclamation recognizing April as National Volunteer Month in Bedford County and recognizing the work of hospice and palliative care volunteers.

“We recognize the importance of hospice and end-of-life care along with the resources that volunteers bring,” said Graham.

Representatives of Compassus, which has provided hospice and palliative care in Bedford County for 30 years, attended the signing ceremony. Julia Logan-Mayes serves a volunteer coordinator for Compassus’ Tullahoma office, while Pam Butler is a volunteer with the organization.

According to Compassus’ website (compassus.com), palliative care “considers a patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs and provides relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. It can be provided at any stage of illness, including alongside curative treatment.” Hospice care, the next step, helps patients “live as well as they can, in their environment of choice, when life expectancy is limited.” More than 1.72 million people receive hospice care each year.

Compassus utilizes volunteers as part of providing its services. Nationwide, more than 420,000 volunteers are involved with various hospice care programs.

“One of the highlights of the job is getting focus on the good happening in the community,” said Graham. “Part of the role of County Mayor is to do proclamations which can shed light and awareness to positive things happening the community.”

The official proclamation signed by the Mayor is as follows:

“WHEREAS, volunteering is an important activity for millions of Americans throughout the U.S.; and,

WHEREAS, the more than 420,000 compassionate individuals who serve as trained hospice volunteers deserve special recognition during this week of celebration and awareness; and

WHEREAS, these dedicated hospice volunteers give of their time and talent in support of patients and families who are our relatives, friends and neighbors; and,

WHEREAS, these volunteers are essential members of hospice and palliative care teams that care for more than 1.72 million hospice patients every year and help ensure they live with hope, dignity and love despite serious and life-limiting illnesses; and,

WHEREAS, hospice volunteers contribute more than 19 million hours of service every year, motivated by a selfless wish to serve; and,

WHEREAS, hospice volunteers provided more than 1,162 hours of service right here in our communities last year; and,

WHEREAS, National Volunteer Month provides the opportunity to recognize the contributions of these caring hospice volunteers and raise awareness of the benefits of hospice and palliative care.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Chad D. Graham, Bedford County Mayor, do hereby proclaim April 2026, as National Volunteer Month in Bedford County, Tennessee and encourage the support and participation of all citizens in learning more about and participating in the provision of hospice and palliative care to those in our community.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused this seal to be affixed.”