SYLACAUGA, Ala. – “We are here for a reason” was the message from ACG Hospice Vice President of Operations Michelle Harden as she introduced local, regional, and national company representatives during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Sylacauga for the organization’s newest location in the Victorian Village.
“Our hospice is a ministry,” Harden explained. “Our team is dedicated to becoming a true part of the community of Sylacauga. God has had his hand on our mission since our beginning. It is bigger than us, as we enter families’ lives at their most vulnerable moments.”
Hospice care is a medical care model focused on comfort. It aims to manage patients’ symptoms while supporting their quality of life and providing support for family caregivers. Both roles are invaluable in addressing patient needs while helping families navigate daily life when a loved one requires professional care.
The new Sylacauga branch has a staff of 12, beginning with its caregiving “angels” – nurses, certified nursing assistants, a chaplain, and other direct-support personnel. The team is coordinated by a hospice liaison and operates under the direction of Medical Director Dr. Imad Khdair and Director of Operations Kelly Strickland.
Vice President of Development Demetrius Hoyett was instrumental in the process of selecting Sylacauga as the organization’s newest location.
“We strive to create a family atmosphere at each location because we serve entire families,” Hoyett said. “We now have five North Alabama locations, including Pell City and Rainbow City in this region, and 12 locations across Alabama.”
Asked what ACG stands for, Hoyett explained that the organization operates as ACG Hospice, its legal entity in Alabama.
“It stands for Agape Care Group,” he said with a smile. “Agape is the reciprocal covenant of the love between God and humans. It fits who we are and what we provide patients and families.”
