Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A Passion for Service

When Angelia Moore joined VITAS Healthcare 13 years ago, she knew that people of color accessed hospice care very late in their illness. In some cases, they died without the benefit of hospice care at all.

People of color are under-represented for hospice use—not just in Dallas, where Angelia serves as director of market development, but all across the United States.

Angelia recognized many people in her community were missing out on the comfort-focused, at-home care hospice provides near the end of life.

“In order to make a change, I had to be a part of it,” Angelia says. “I’m an advocate/champion for hospice for people of color. I am compelled to share the gift of hospice.”

On January 17, 2022, we remember the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—what he stood for and his intention to love and serve humanity.

VITAS employees find inspiration in Dr. King’s commitment to social change and justice, and his service to others. And like Angelia, they enjoy careers full of meaning and fulfillment through serving their communities, every single day.

‘What Are You Doing for Others?’

“My inspiration comes from providing resources and relief to families,” says Arndrea Alexander, an admission liaison in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam counties, Florida.

Arndrea says she always knew she wanted to help people; early in her career, she was unsure which avenue to choose.

Here at VITAS, we all demonstrate a commitment to service and play our part in impacting people’s lives.-Arndrea Alexander, VITAS admission liaison

As an admission liaison with VITAS, Arndrea helps educate people about what hospice offers them. That might mean making a presentation at an assisted living facility, or giving a talk at a church, or meeting one-on-one with a worried family considering hospice care for their loved one.

She has been with VITAS now for about 11 years and says her colleagues’ passion to serve others has helped her thrive. As Dr. King said—and Arndrea points to it as one her favorite quotes: “Life‘s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“The ability to elongate and save the lives of loved ones is a gift that keeps giving,” she says. “Here at VITAS, we all demonstrate a commitment to service and play our part in impacting people’s lives.”

Commitment to Community

Kristopher Halsey serves as bereavement services manager for VITAS in Philadelphia. He knows there are many reasons people of color might not be receiving the benefits of hospice care, ranging from mistrust of the healthcare community to disparities in access to care to a lack of familiarity with what hospice offers.

Serving others, going the extra mile, and giving a helping hand is rewarding.-Kristopher Halsey, VITAS bereavement services manager

He says that’s why he’s so passionate about educating the community.

“They need to know that someone is there to trust, that they can trust somebody there,” Kristopher says. “That was one of my main roles with coming on board—being able to talk about this and to reassure the community that we're here to help you. Hospice is there to support you during one of the most challenging times in your life.”

As bereavement services manager, he finds purpose in his work helping patients and their families understand and cope with feelings of grief that accompany the end of life.

“I always wanted to help. Serving others, going the extra mile, and giving a helping hand is rewarding. Providing grief support to families is my passion,” he says. “I think the commitment to the community is what VITAS has to offer definitely to the communities of color.”

Bring Your Passion to VITAS

Through service, these VITAS professionals give back to their communities. They demonstrate excellence with purpose, respect, and dedication to patients and families. At the heart of their work is a great love for what they do. Their commitment to serve others goes above and beyond the expectations of their professional duties.

With love in his heart, Dr. King lived his message of service. By living out their purpose and pursuing their passion, VITAS employees are proud to support community efforts and provide needed care that makes a difference every day.

Are you ready to join a team where you can live out your purpose and passion while serving your community? Find a career with meaning at careers.vitas.com.