PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. - There was a joyful spirit on a perfect fall evening as people from the Calvert County community came together to bless the newly restored Labyrinth at Calvert Homestead and celebrate the Burnett Center for Hope & Healing's growth as a vital resource for those living with illness and loss.
Community members, local leaders and members of the health community attended the event that was held Oct. 16 at the center at 4559 Sixes Road in Prince Frederick, which is part of the Hospice of the Chesapeake family of services.
Guests first enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and the opportunity to learn about the integrative arts programs the organization offers. This includes veterans care, pet therapy, art therapy, and healing energies, including Compassionate Touch and reiki.
Hospice of the Chesapeake President and CEO Becky Miller stepped onto the portico to express gratitude to the Calvert County community and shared the organization's vision for the future -- including expanding partnerships with local healthcare providers and county agencies to ensure more residents have access to hospice, supportive and grief care services.
"Good news, bad news: We are living longer, but we are living longer with advanced illnesses and diminishing resources. This phenomenon is going to require communities to band together, get creative and pool resources to allow our older population to remain independent and healthy in the community," Miller said. "This is something community-based organizations have always done. We are able to do so much because of our partnerships and friendships, old and new."
One such partnership is with CalvertHealth. Kara Harrer, CalvertHealth Associate Vice President of Ancillary Services, shared how intertwined the medical center is with Hospice of the Chesapeake, from palliative and end-of-life care to having representation on the hospice organization's board. "Beyond the bedside, our partnership extends into the community. Through initiatives like the Community Health Improvement Roundtable, we are engaging leaders and organizations to address key health needs, including end-of-life care," Harrer said.
Then, all of the guests followed the path that leads to the labyrinth next door. Special guest Barbara Burnett, who generously donated the Burnett Center property in memory of her husband, Robert Burnett, shared her gratitude to Hospice of the Chesapeake and the Calvert County community for helping her to realize her hopes that both the labyrinth and the Burnett Center would provide a peaceful space for reflection, healing and community connection. With the help of a youth organization from North Carolina, Burnett created the labyrinth in 2001 to help her cope with the grief of losing her husband. "I can only hope that all that walk or just stand inside will find their peace and answers as I did," she said.
The labyrinth is open to the public during daylight hours. For how to access the labyrinth, visit https://labyrinthlocator.org/labyrinth/the-calvert-homestead/177/.
About Hospice of the Chesapeake
At Hospice of the Chesapeake, we support individuals and families facing progressive, serious illness to reimagine hope -- living each day with intention and peace -- while ensuring our nonprofit organization remains a vital resource for future generations. We develop care plans to minimize symptoms and focus on what matters most for patients and families in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George's counties.
Caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss is the mission of Hospice of the Chesapeake. For more information, please visit www.hospicechesapeake.org.