Hospice will continue to help families through merger

As Valley Hospital and Triad Hospitals enter into a partnership, Hospice of Mat-Su will continue to operate as a nonprofit, officials are saying.

While Valley Hospital makes the move from a nonprofit to a for-profit hospital, all donations and funds raised for Hospice of Mat-Su will stay with the organization.

"The VHA [Valley Hospital Association] will remain a nonprofit and they are very, very supportive of Hospice," said Pat Karella of Hospice of Mat-Su. "That won't change."

Karella said money raised through programs like the Light Up a Life event and the recent art sale at Valley Hospital will continue to support Hospice of Mat-Su programs, medications and services.

"The money will still be going where it is supposed to be going," Karella said. "And donations will still be tax deductible."