PARKERSBURG - National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is a time to raise awareness about important care issues for people coping with life-limiting illness. The month-long celebration not only pays tribute to hospice providers who are dedicated to providing physical, spiritual, and emotional support to terminally ill patients. It also serves as a means of increasing public awareness about choices in end-of-life care that are available in the community.

In honor of the nation's hospice professionals and volunteers, Housecalls Hospice will host an open house at its 1226 Market St. location on Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff will be on hand with information on a variety of end-of-life issues. Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Toys for Tots will collect any new, unwrapped Christmas gifts for local area children in need.

"All too often people facing terminal illness don't know where to turn for comfort and support," said Marcia Metz, director of Housecalls Hospice. "Throughout this month, our goal is to diminish the fears that make people reluctant to talk about death and to let them know about the supportive, compassionate and pain-relieving services that hospice provides."

Founded in 1990, Housecalls Hospice provides comprehensive health and supportive services for Parkersburg's terminally ill patients and their families. Its team of professionals and volunteers provide services ranging from high tech nursing and medical care to basic assistance with the activities of daily living and bereavement counseling.

For more information on hospice services: Housecalls Hospice at (304) 424-3901.