Black-Owned Hospice in NC: Heart and Soul’s Quest for Culturally Competent Care in Underserved Communities Meets State Resistance
In a recent news segment aired exclusively on WCNC Charlotte, a story unfolded of the challenges faced by a Black-owned hospice service in NC. Heart’n Soul Hospice, desiring to set up in Mecklenburg County, aspires to cater specifically to minority populations. These groups have long been underserved when it comes to end-of-life care. Unfortunately, their application was denied by the state earlier this week.
The aim of Heart’n Soul Hospice is to address the racial disparities that persist in the realm of end-of-life healthcare by providing culturally competent care to people of color. They emphasize the dire need for such services in areas of Mecklenburg County where hospice care access might be limited. “There is a whole set of people that haven’t benefited that are in need of hospice services,” says one representative.
Among those rallying behind Heart’n Soul Hospice are key figures like the county manager and local NAACP President Corine Mack. Mack shares a personal connection to the cause, having experienced hospice care for two of her sisters. The lack of representation deeply affected their hospice experience. “I felt invisible,” she remarked, emphasizing the discomfort many Black individuals feel when hospitalized.
However, their ambitions have been met with disappointment. The State Health Coordinating Council has refused their application to operate in Mecklenburg County. The council’s justification for this decision hinges on the belief that the area, already served by nine hospice services, doesn’t require any more. Yet, founder David Turner highlights that Charlotte is witnessing rapid growth and diversification. Moreover, state records indicate that no new hospice services have been approved in the county for over 16 years.
David remains hopeful, and keen on finding a solution and addressing the overlooked need for culturally competent care in the region. Black-owned hospice in NC is needed from many perspectives.
Source: WCNC