The Maine Hospice Council is ceasing operations after 35 years promoting hospice care in the state and addressing gaps in the service.
The Augusta based organization is responsible for a number of end-of-life programs, including the Hospice Veteran Partnership and the Maine Pain Initiative.
Maine Hospice Council indicated it was closing down due to a lack of funding in a statement released Wednesday.
The organization is receiving less than $64,000 in state funding in its current two-year cycle.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Maine Hospice Council Board President Alicia Murray in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the impact our organization has made and deeply grateful to everyone who supported our mission. While closing our doors is difficult, we celebrate the lives touched, the relationships built, and the lasting contributions made to our community.”
Maine Hospice Council executive director Kandyce Powell said she would continue to be available to anyone searching for end-of-life resources.
Maine is the oldest state by median age in the country, according to the U.S. Census. Nearly a quarter of Maine’s residents are 65 or older.
