Over the last several years the Coeur d'Alene area has been very fortunate to have brought on line a number of new public facilities that would be the envy of any community - larger or small. The list would include the following:

* The new Cd'A Public Library * The Kroc Center

* The Chamber of Commerce BuildingOf course in addition to these completed projects, two more exciting ones are just making the transition from the "drawing board" to the start of actual construction: the Education Corridor and the redesign and revamping of McEuen Field.

There is another very worthwhile project that belongs in the class above that has flown a little lower on the radar screen over the past couple years but is now also nearly complete and worthy of the public awareness and appreciation: the new Hospice House on Prairie Avenue.A couple of years ago or so I was approached by the leadership of Hospice of North Idaho (HONI) and asked to consider heading up a capital fundraising campaign to build ,the first ever-in the state of Idaho, Hospice House. While flattered, I had a couple of reservations about taking the job. First I had just come off a rather grueling fundraising campaign to build the new library and second (probably of greater concern), were my doubts about whether or not the community would support another large project of this nature - especially quite frankly, that just didn't have the "cache" of a new library or Kroc Center. Let's face it, most of us can get excited about the prospect of being able to use a new Kroc Center or library, but few of us would positively entertain the thought of the utilization of the services of Hospice - at least any time soon!

But I was soon convinced that not only was such a facility needed by the patients of HONI and their families but the whole community - my community - would be a richer place for supporting its development.Before continuing, let's talk about what exactly is a Hospice House. Quite simply it is a place that patients and their families can utilize to make the dying process as comfortable and dignified as possible. Most people envision that hospice services are furnished in the patient's home. That is true in many cases, but the cold facts are that many patients cannot remain in their homes as their condition worsens. Pain and other medication management, other professional medical attention needs and even the inability of the best intentioned caregiver to cope with the situation often force the patient to return to the hospital for their final days. Our Kootenai Medical Center provides resources facility to accommodate people in this situation, but it has a very limited capacity - only four rooms are dedicated to the service. The new Hospice House has 12 spacious, comfortable rooms available as well as facilities such as a family kitchen to enable loved ones to stay at the House and prepare meals for themselves and their loved one. In addition there is a Meditation Center to help in the time of need as well as a beautiful living room and reception area where families can gather. The facility will be staffed around the clock by nursing professionals as well as receive regular visits from palliative care doctors. Each room will have a private entrance that leads out to beautifully landscaped grounds that the patient and family can enjoy.

It is important to know also that the House will accept patients without any consideration of their ability to pay for the services.The fundraising task has been challenging; the actual construction costs are ending up around $3.5 million. (the land was bought and paid for by HONI earlier out of reserves accumulated over the years for such a purpose). I was fortunate to be associated in the effort with a great committee of leading citizens all with a passion to see the new Hospice House become a reality. Since the effort was started we have been able to raise over $2.2 million of the needed funds, with several more large donations under consideration by potential donors. The difference in the construction costs was largely met by the issuance of a bond by the Idaho Health Facilities Authority which was purchased by a local bank (Mountain West). The remaining goal then is to raise a million dollars more to retire the bond and make the facility debt free.

We have come so far with the effort. The house is nearly 100 percent done and will open this month. The community is richer for its existence. I urge any of you who have not seen the facility to drive by and appreciate what has been created. I further urge any of you that have not given to the effort to consider doing so (or if you have donated to consider increasing your gift). There are several naming opportunities still available for donations of a certain size. If you have an interest in making a gift, please contact Paul Weil or Amanda Miller at HONI (772-7994).The Hospice House, again the only one in our state, gives us all one more reason to be so proud of being a part of this community.

Jon Hippler was chairman of the Hospice House Capital Campaign.