Shreveport’s business community gathered at KTBS’s Business Exchange Breakfast to celebrate local enterprises that strengthen families and uphold Christian values. Among the featured organizations was St. Mark Hospice, a faith‑informed provider of end‑of‑life care that serves patients in their homes and long‑term facilities throughout the ArkLaTex region.
Compassionate care rooted in faith and family
St. Mark Hospice describes itself as “an organization of professionals who care for terminally ill patients in their homes or long‑term care facilities.” Under the guidance of a medical director and an administrator, the hospice employs doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, marketers and volunteers. Together they strive to preserve the highest possible quality of life, comfort and dignity for patients and their families during the most difficult chapter of life.
Founder Jerome Cox on the mission
Founder and owner Jerome Cox spoke with KTBS‑3 about why the hospice matters to the community. He emphasized that hospice care is not merely a medical service; it is a ministry that honors the sanctity of life and supports grieving families. “When a family faces the loss of a loved one, they need more than medication—they need hope, prayer, and the reassurance that their loved one’s final days are handled with compassion,” Cox said.
Cox also highlighted the economic benefits of a thriving hospice. By employing a diverse staff of healthcare professionals and volunteers, St. Mark contributes jobs to Shreveport and surrounding parishes. The organization purchases local supplies, partners with regional vendors, and collaborates with hospitals, thereby keeping dollars circulating within the ArkLaTex economy.
Community involvement and volunteerism
Volunteers play a vital role at St. Mark Hospice, offering everything from bedside companionship to administrative assistance. The hospice’s chaplains provide spiritual counseling, prayer services and sacraments, reinforcing the Christian foundation that many families in the area hold dear. This blend of professional care and faith‑based support reflects the community’s commitment to traditional families and individual liberty.
Looking ahead
During the Business Exchange event, Cox announced plans to expand hospice services to additional rural parishes, ensuring that more families across Louisiana can access dignified end‑of‑life care. He also invited local businesses to partner with St. Mark through sponsorships and in‑kind donations, underscoring the belief that a strong community is built when churches, businesses and families work side by side.
As Shreveport continues to promote economic growth and family‑centered values, stories like St. Mark Hospice’s remind readers that true prosperity includes caring for the most vulnerable among us.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
