Partners In Care, a provider of hospice, home health, and palliative care services in Central Oregon, will be introducing an official end-of-life doula program in partnership with The Peaceful Presence Project.
Based in the Partners In Care volunteer department, the end-of-life doulas will be trained Partners In Care volunteers dedicated to providing an additional layer of non-clinical support for patients and families receiving services. The Peaceful Presence Project, in collaboration with the palliative care and hospice teams, created the specifically tailored curriculum, to train a cohort of volunteers with a deeper knowledge, understanding, and enhanced non-clinical skills centered around serious illness and companioning. These doula volunteers will be integrated into the interdisciplinary team, so that patients and families have the option for additional supportive services.
“We are excited to partner with Partners In Care to develop an in-house doula program—an innovative model that expands compassionate, person-centered end-of-life care. This collaboration deepens our shared commitment to providing holistic support for patients and their families during life’s final transition,” said Elizabeth Johnson, executive director of The Peaceful Presence Project.
As of 2024, only six percent of hospice providers in the United States plan to integrate end-of-life doulas, making this deeply personal, non-medical care a rare yet invaluable addition. This program is the first of its kind in Central Oregon with Partners In Care as the first hospice organization to have trained end-of-life doulas integrated as part of the care teams.
“This program strengthens our long-standing collaboration with The Peaceful Presence Project, enhancing the support we provide to patients and families at life’s end,” said Shannon Campbell, Partners In Care volunteer department. “It also offers a new opportunity for dedicated volunteers from our nearly 200-strong team, who already bring companionship, music, canine visits, medication delivery, and more to those in our care. By embracing this initiative, Partners In Care reaffirms its commitment to honoring each person’s journey with compassion and dignity—leading the way in holistic, heart-centered care.”
If someone is interested in volunteering with Partners In Care, they can learn more at www.partnersbend.org or call (541) 382-5882 to speak with a team member.
