Representatives with Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) are seeking community members who would be willing to share their stories, connections and and experiences with the group for its 40th anniversary.

The goal, organization officials say, is to “allow our community to see the face and heart of VHOCC.” During the group’s 40th anniversary, VHOCC will focus on the people — hospice patients and loved ones, registered nurses who provide bedside nursing care, the 180 volunteers in service and benefactors — who have made an impact with VHOCC and the community.

Forty years ago, registered nurse Rose Crumb and six other residents met at the Port Angeles Senior Citizen Center and sketched the blueprint for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County. The first hospice in the U.S. had been founded in 1974 in Connecticut. Just four years later, VHOCC was the first rural hospice in Washington state.

Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County grew from two patients in 1978 to today’s patient group of about 120. VHOCC provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families with free, around-the-clock registered nursing availability and trained volunteers.

As needs increased of the years, VHOCC expanded its services to the entire community with medical equipment loan programs, grief support programs and community education.

Those willing to share their experiences are asked to call 360-775-7806 or email vsm@vhocc.org; an interview will be scheduled at one’s convenience.

Learn more about Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County at VHOCC.org or find VHOCC on Facebook.