Whereas, Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, psychological and spiritual counselors, and community volunteers trained to serve the unique physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of hospice patients and their families; and,

Whereas, In 1978, Escanaba established Bay de Noc Hospice, which was the first hospice in Michigan, marking the start of hospice care throughout the state; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations are comprised of 165 hospice programs, which operate under the philosophy that hospice exists neither to hasten nor postpone death, but rather to affirm life by providing support and care to those in the last phases of incurable disease so that they can live as fully and comfortably as possible with their family and friends around them;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2009 Hospice Month in Michigan.  I encourage all residents of the state of Michigan to take part in this observance by acknowledging those who care for our loved ones in their final hours.