CLEVELAND — Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) has completed its acquisition of Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) effective Aug. 1.
This strategic alliance aims to expand access to high-quality, comprehensive end-of-life care across a broader region.
This news follows an announcement in February 2024 that the two community-based nonprofit agencies had entered a management services agreement, allowing HWR to begin a due diligence process in preparation for the full transition.
Increased competition within the HNCO service area, economic challenges, and a need to stabilize and ultimately grow the organization make the acquisition necessary.
The acquisition brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to providing exceptional care and support to patients and families, enhancing service offerings, streamlining operations, and increasing community engagement.
HWR is a premier provider of hospice and palliative care services in Northern Ohio. With over 45 years of experience in end-of-life care, it will expand its 15-county service area through Hospice of North Central Ohio to include Ashland, Knox, Richland, and other nearby counties.
The acquisition will create the region’s largest team of hospice- and palliative care-certified physicians and specialists, offering the most extensive range of services and support. Additionally, it will strengthen the organization’s ability to support local communities through enhanced education, outreach, and volunteer initiatives.
About HWR
“We are excited to welcome Hospice of North Central Ohio to the Hospice of the Western Reserve family,” said Bill Finn, president and CEO of HWR. “This partnership marks an important milestone in our mission to deliver exceptional hospice and palliative care. By combining our resources and expertise, we can ensure that more individuals and their loved ones receive the compassionate support they need.”
Joan Hanson, MSN, RN, CHPCA, director of palliative care at Hospice of the Western Reserve, has served as interim executive director of HNCO during the due diligence process. As of Aug. 1, she will serve as HWR’s clinical director in Ashland, Knox, and Richland counties through the end of 2024.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated staff in Ashland, Knox and Richland counties,” Hanson said. “Over 90% of the HNCO staff has chosen to join the HWR team, showing their commitment to providing compassionate care and support in these communities.”
As a nonprofit, Hospice of the Western Reserve is governed by a Board of Directors. To create and maintain local community engagement and support for Hospice of Western Reserve’s programs and services at the highest levels in Ashland, Knox, and Richland counties, HWR is establishing two advisory councils: the Hospice of the Western Reserve Ashland/Richland Advisory Council and the Hospice of the Western Reserve Knox County Advisory Council.
The councils will help improve access to and use of high-quality, community-based palliative and hospice services; provide feedback and evaluation of programs and services; be a source of creative ideas for development, special events, and volunteer engagement; and represent Hospice of the Western and its mission in Ashland, Richland, and Knox counties.