Vanessa Ramirez, RN, MSN, Executive Director of Ogeechee Area Hospice (OAH) has joined the board of directors of the Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (GHPCO). OAH is Bulloch County's only non-profit hospice serving patients in their homes or in the only inpatient facility in their service area.
"I had multiple conversations with GHPCO Board President Donna Morgan who nominated me and encouraged me to take a leap of faith and join the Board of Directors for GHPCO and represent the state of Georgia’s Non-Profit Hospices," said Vanessa Ramirez. "Donna has been a great mentor of mine since Nancy Bryant retired and I had to learn hospice and my role on my own. While this will be huge added responsibilities to my plate, I have accepted this honor in hopes that it will be a huge benefit to OAH and the patients we serve."
For more than 30 years, GHPCO has been serving the people of Georgia and the organizations that provide care to those with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families, friends, and loved ones. GHPCO and their member organizations honor the sacred trust that is placed in them to ensure that every Georgian has access to excellent pain and symptom management, and that their physical, spiritual, and emotional concerns are addressed. They strive always to support each individual’s right to receive care of the highest quality which allows them to die pain-free and with dignity. With their members, they work to ensure that every family receives the support they need for themselves and their loved one.
"I met Vanessa soon after she was appointed to the Executive Director role for Ogeechee Area Hospice, and I was immediately impressed by her knowledge and presence. We have collaborated since that time, sharing information about best practices and exchanging questions and information to make both of our non-profit hospices stronger and better. I know that the Ogeechee Area Hospice patients, employees, volunteers, and Board of Directors are well-served by Vanessa’s professional talents," said Donna Morgan.
"As President of the Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (GHPCO), I was pleased to invite Vanessa to the Board of Directors, giving her the opportunity to serve at the State-level while continuing her wonderful work with Ogeechee Area Hospice. GHPCO is a Georgia member organization for hospices, all working together for the betterment of hospice and palliative care. This collaborative work will further strengthen Vanessa’s skills and expand her support network, all of which improves the care provided to the Ogeechee area. I offer my appreciation and gratitude to Vanessa for accepting this Board of Directors appointment, and I look forward to working with her."