The Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) serves the area from Peachland to Oyama. It exists in the belief that, through skilled and appropriate support and a sensitive and caring community, persons may be free to attain the degree of preparation for the death and resolution to bereavement that is satisfactory to them.
In partnership with the Central Okanagan Hospice Palliative Care Program of Interior Health, COHA is committed to "Helping people with a terminal illness live to the fullest until they die, and to help their loved one to be supported in their grief."
In extended care facilities, at the Kelowna General Hospital, Central Okanagan Hospice House, residential facilities, and in private homes, our more than 150 carefully screened and trained volunteers provide practical and emotional support for terminally ill people and their families. Bedside vigil, respite for caregivers and patient advocacy are a few of the important components of this support.
Services provided by COHA also include Bereavement Counselling, Adult Bereavement Groups, Children's Programs and a comprehensive lending library on "Death & Dying" and "Grief & Loss."
We are a non-profit organization and all our programs and services are free.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the Governance of the Association. Elections are held once a year at the Annual General Meeting in June. To be elected into office you must be a member in good standing, 19 years or older and a resident of the Central Okanagan. The Board meets once a month for two hours on a regular basis and more meetings are scheduled when the need arises.
Funding & Fundraising
The Central Okanagan Hospice Association is a community based non-profit organization. There are no fees for our services. COHA receives funding as follows:
Private donations | 34% |
Gaming | 16% |
United Way | 4% |
Fundraising | 28% |
Memberships & Other Revenue | 1% |
Interior Health Partnership | 12% |
Grants | 5% |