INSPIRED IMPACT is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of mission-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities and industries.
Kayla Arnesen is the Director, Marketing and Communications of The Denver Hospice. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube and learn more at TheDenverHospice.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I have the privilege of developing strategic communications to educate our community about The Denver Hospice and why we are the region’s leading, largest and most trusted provider of life-enhancing hospice and palliative care.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
I believe in the power of the nonprofit sector to build up a community and improve its quality of life. That’s why I’ve spent the better part of my career working for nonprofits. As a professional marketer and communicator, I enjoy telling stories about how my organization, and other nonprofits with whom we partner, make significant contributions to our community and to society.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Our nationally-recognized, best-practice model of personalized care supports mind, body and spirit, giving our palliative care and hospice patients and their families control over their lives with dignity, joy, compassion and unparalleled experience and support. We are a national hospice leader in reducing re-hospitalizations. Most of our patients report comfort within 48 of being in our care and 94 percent of families served at our inpatient care center are happy with their experience. Our palliative care program consistently earns five stars for patient care, the highest rating possible on our patient satisfaction survey.
Our mission-driven commitment puts patients above profit and translates to more time, attention and experts dedicated to every person who needs our services, wherever and whenever they need us.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
Like my colleagues at The Denver Hospice, I am driven by the belief that palliative and hospice care is not about losing life, but adding to it.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
We want everyone facing a life-limiting illness to benefit from life-enhancing hospice and palliative care and for their family and loved ones to also be supported through the journey.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
It seems like there is never enough time in the day to get everything accomplished. Therefore, human resources are always at a premium. Thankfully, we have an amazing volunteer team that is ready and willing to help. Some of our volunteers are retired marketing professionals and they are wonderful resources for me and for the organization.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Our biggest challenge is education. We believe we have a responsibility to educate our community about the benefits of our services. Many people in our society are unfamiliar with the word “palliative” and are unaware that palliative care helps ensure individuals with a serious illness receive the physical and emotional support they, and their families, deserve. In addition, many people are not educated about the benefits of hospice care until they, or a loved one, are faced with a life-limiting illness.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Find a cause you truly care about and your work will have enhanced meaning and joy.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Our care is made possible by the devotion and support of individual donors, corporate sponsors and an incredible network of volunteers.
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations is an award-winning communications agency that generates awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, support for mission-driven organizations. We amplify their voice and reach so they can increase their impact. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.