WHEREAS, the State of Maine recognizes the importance of providing quality care to older adults, terminally ill, postsurgical patients, chronically sick; as well as individuals of all ages with disabilities in a familiar and comfortable setting; and

WHEREAS, home care is the patient-preferred care option and plays a vital role in Maine's health care continuum; and

WHEREAS, hospice provides comfort, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support at the end of life to patients and their families in the patient's residence; and

WHEREAS, home care and hospice services allow families to stay together, and provide for greater health, dignity and comfort in our communities; and

WHEREAS, home care and hospice services in Maine are an essential sector in Maine's health care continuum to reduce hospitalizations and transitions to institution-based forms of health care for acute and chronic illnesses; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine joins in the national observance of Home Care and Hospice Month, and we take this opportunity to encourage, honor and support professionals, volunteers and family caregivers who show courage and compassion caring for our fellow Mainers in the safety and comfort their home;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of November 2023 as

National Home Care and Hospice Month

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty third day of October Two Thousand Twenty Three