Hospice of Davidson County expands campus to meet growing needs
Hospice of Davidson County (HODC) has long been a cornerstone of compassionate care in our community. Since moving to its current campus and opening the Hinkle Hospice House in 2009, the organization has experienced significant growth in patient care, program expansion and staffing. Today, HODC serves over 175 patients daily across residential homes, nursing homes, and skilled care facilities. The Hinkle Hospice House alone provides acute care for over 200 patients annually. Beyond patient care, more than 3,000 individuals annually receive grief and loss support through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and specialized programming.
With a team of over 100 clinical and administrative staff and more than 40 volunteers assisting with patient companionship, administrative duties, and community engagement, HODC remains committed to service excellence. The organization has also received national recognition as a 5-Star Hospice Honors program, with its technology integrations and staff wellness programs earning high marks at both state and national levels.
Expanding to Meet the Future
To support its continued growth and enhance the patient care experience, HODC recently broke ground on a new campus expansion in November 2024. This expansion, including an outdoor space, was made possible through three state grants totaling $325,000 and a generous bequest, will extend the administrative building to the north. The new addition will include a multi-purpose building, an outdoor terrace, and an emergency egress road—an essential infrastructure improvement that was not part of the original 2008/2009 construction.
Laura T. Owen, CEO of HODC, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion:
“We’re excited to expand campus resources to better serve our patients, community, and staff. These additions will offer additional areas for families to gather, staff to receive education, individuals utilizing counseling services, and small community gatherings.”
The expansion is part of HODC’s commitment to professional development and clinical training, with designated areas in the administrative building now serving as educational spaces, including a clinical practice lab.
Community Support and Funding Goals
The total cost of Phase I—including the egress road, multi-purpose building, and outdoor terrace—is projected to be $1 million. While grants and prior donor contributions have provided a strong foundation, additional fundraising efforts are underway to meet the remaining $400,000 in financial needs.
Longtime supporters like Jeff and Debbie McKinney of Jacob’s Creek Stone are stepping up once again, donating all the stone and slate for the project—just as they did for the original campus buildings. In addition to these contributions, HODC encourages those interested in naming opportunities to contact CEO Laura Owen.
www.hospiceofdavidson.org
Hospice of Davidson County
200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292
As the project progresses, HODC continues to receive advocacy and support from local leaders, including Rep. Larry Potts, Senator Steve Jarvis, and Rep. Sam Watford, all of whom have championed healthcare resources for the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Looking Ahead
This year marks HODC’s 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the organization’s unwavering dedication to compassionate end-of-life care. As the organization looks to the future, this expansion is a pivotal step in ensuring that the campus remains equipped to meet the growing needs of the community.
“At Hospice of Davidson County, growth is always guided by the needs of those we serve,” said Aaron Holt. “Our campus expansion empowers us to further invest in patient care, education, and community engagement—building upon our proud legacy of excellence, compassion, and innovation.”
As the project begins, Laura Owen reiterates the importance of this effort: “As we celebrate our 40th service year, staff recognize our shared role as stewards of this campus. With the completion of this project, we will be in a supported position to extend our programming for the growing service needs.”
Owen states that additional funding is still needed for construction costs, including a naming opportunity for the new campus addition. Hospice of Davidson County remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality, compassionate care—ensuring that every patient, family member, and caregiver has the support they need during life’s most difficult moments.
