Expanding Access to Care in Bladen and Columbus Counties

This summer, we’re celebrating two exciting milestones that reflect our ongoing commitment to serving more families with compassionate care—close to home.

Thanks to the support of the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is expanding its reach in Bladen and Columbus counties with new spaces that strengthen our ability to connect with the people who need us most.

A New Office in Bladen County

On Thursday, July 24, we’ll mark the opening of our new Bladen County office, located at 1107 W. Broad Street, Unit G, in Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

While we’ve long served patients and families in Bladen County, this more central location gives our teams a stronger home base. It makes it easier to reach people in need of hospice and palliative care, supports community outreach, and facilitates collaboration with local partners.

“Opening a new office in Bladen County makes it easier for our teams to stay connected to the people we serve,” said Gwen Whitley, President and CEO of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. “It’s an important step in our commitment to bringing care directly to communities throughout our region.”

A New Conference and Education Center in Columbus County

On Tuesday, August 20, we’ll host a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the new LifeCare Community Conference and Education Center at Angel House Hospice Care Center in Whiteville.

This expanded space will support our growing clinical teams, provide room for health education programs, and offer a place for community events. Whether planning care, training new staff, or partnering with local groups, this new center is all about connection and clarity.

“This is more than just space, it’s a resource that helps us deliver care with compassion,” said Whitley. “We’re proud to invest in the future of care in Columbus County.”

Expanding In-Home Palliative Care in Columbus County

In addition to the new conference center, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare has received a $175,000 grant from the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation to expand its in-home palliative care program in Columbus County. The grant builds on a successful pilot that helped increase the number of patients served by 180% in just six months.

Palliative care offers pain and symptom relief, emotional support, and advance care planning for people living with a serious illness, delivered in the comfort of their own home. The expanded program is expected to serve 100 patients over a two-year period, improve their quality of life, and help reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

“Columbus County is mostly rural, and too many people struggle to get the care they need,” said Whitley. “We’re meeting families where they are and helping them stay home, comfortable, and well-supported.”

To learn more about our services or how to get involved, visit lifecare.org.