Hundreds Pack Northport 5K, Raising More Than $50K For Hospice Care

NORTHPORT, NY — More than 500 runners and walkers gathered in Northport on Saturday for the 26th annual “Run for the Health of It” 5K hosted by Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, raising more than $50,000 to support hospice programs and Hospice House.

The annual event helps fund services and programs that are not fully covered by Medicare or insurance, including portable oxygen tanks for hospice patients, bereavement support programs, memorial services, acupuncture for pain management and capital improvements aimed at enhancing comfort and safety for patients, families and staff.

“The turnout at this year’s ‘Run for the Health of It’ is a testament to the incredible spirit of this community and the meaningful work being done every day by the staff and volunteers of VNS and Hospice of Suffolk,” Silvia Cota, chief executive of Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, said.

According to the organization, participants from across Suffolk County came together in support of hospice care and community wellness, helping advance VNSHS’s mission of ensuring patients and families have access to compassionate care during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Founded in 1952, Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk is an independent nonprofit healthcare agency serving Suffolk County residents through home nursing care, hospice services, rehabilitative therapy, medical social work, nutritional education, diabetic counseling and community-based programs.

In 2004, the organization opened Hospice House, described as the first independent freestanding hospice facility in New York.

Today, the organization conducts more than 70,000 home visits annually and provides care for nearly 2,000 home health patients and 800 hospice patients each year.

“Medicare and insurance do not cover the services that our end-of-life patients and their families need," Cota said. "The funds raised at the 5K help provide portable oxygen tanks for hospice patients, memorial services, bereavement programs, acupuncture for pain management and symptom control, and capital projects to ensure the comfort and safety of our patients, their families and our staff. We are deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, and donor who came out to make this event a success.”