About Us

Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley was incorporated as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, volunteer intensive program in 1985. As the sole local provider of hospice and palliative care in Blaine County, we serve a jurisdiction of 2644 square miles that includes the cities of Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue, Picabo, and Carey Idaho. We do not charge for any of our services, do not bill private insurance and have chosen not to be a Medicare-certified hospice. Rather, we serve the needs of patients, families and the community following the Hospice Standard of Care and are totally supported by charitable donations.

High utilization of volunteers, both lay and professional support the 4 FTE staff. Creativity, innovation, quality, and clinical excellence are hallmarks of this hospice.

We are members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the Idaho Health Continuum of Care Alliance, are a NHPCO Quality Partner and have strong established relationships within the local medical community, health care facilities, schools, businesses, and first responders. 

Our Awards

Our hospice, its staff, and volunteers have received numerous awards. In 2008, from the Idaho Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement and from the Idaho Business Review, a Health Care Hero in the hospice category. In addition, Carolyn Nystrom is the Winner of The Cambia Health Foundation–2012 SOJOURNS AWARDS. December 2012 Carolyn Nystrom is awarded The Nancy Cord Vision of Philanthropy Award. It recognizes individuals who excel in areas of humanitarianism, leadership, and philanthropy. In 2015 Carolyn Nystrom was named Woman of the Year by readers of the Idaho Mountain Express.

We have a respected reputation for commitment to excellence, competency, and integrity.