<div>When most hear the word “hospice,” they think of dying … of caring for those for whom time has grown desperately short.But that’s not what Heather’s House is all about, says Tracee Capron, the executive director of HIA Hospice. “What can we do to help you live well, as long as you’re here?” she asks. “Hospice is not about dying. It’s about living.”That’s the soul and spirit of the comfortable, home-like facility that HIA Hospice has built on the south edge of Fargo. The organization – known until last June as Hospice of the Red River Valley – has spent the past three years creating a place where those who are terminally ill can receive comfort and support, and where they can create memories with those who love them.Now, after 45 years of growth and service to thousands of patients and their families, HIA Hospice looks to 2026 equipped with more than its founders could have dreamed of back in 1981 … serving individuals and families across North Dakota and well into Minnesota with a range of care options and just one goal in mind: Providing comfort, care and until the compassion at every stage of life’s journey.NEW NAME, SAME MISSIONExecutive director Tracee Capron, RN, says the name change to HIA Hospice – Hearts in Action – was well overdue. “We’ve served families beyond Fargo-Moorhead from the early days. We have reached beyond the Red River Valley since the beginning.“Today we have hubs in Bismarck, Minot, Devils Lake, Jamestown and Grand Forks on this side of the river, and in Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls.” Its patients number 1,000 or so on any given day, spread over a territory that exceeds 60,000 square miles. The new name, Hearts in Action, removes the geographic label that has been a limiting factor in some of those locales.The Hearts in Action designation unites what has become a trio of programs now united under one banner. The first, of course, is HIA Hospice, which typically serves patients with a terminal illness and life expectancy of six months or less. The second is HIA House Calls, the four-year-old service that extends palliative care at home to individuals with serious illnesses not necessarily nearing the end of their lives. Like hos-pice care, HIA House Calls focuses on improving the quality of life for those with serious or life-threatening illnesses. That includes pain and symptom management, emotional support, advance care planning, and coordination with other healthcare providers.The third program is HIA Heirlooms, the upscale re-sale and gift shop that’s been raising funds since the beginning. Located at 3120 25th St. S., the thrift shop sells new and gently used items donated by the community – furniture, lamps, art, clothing, housewares, antiques and collectibles, jewelry and more. All proceeds support HIA Hospice.A PLACE FOR LIVINGIn September, HIA Heather’s House welcomed its first patients.While spending the end of life at home has always been Hospice’s goal, director Tracee explains that’s not always possible. “It has always been part of the dream to have this place for people when they need it,” she explains, crediting early visionaries Edi Lohr, Mary Lou Dahms and Sonia McManus with the vision fulfilled in 2025.While some who spend time in its 18 large, bright, well-appointed rooms may end their lives there, she considers it a stepping stone to going home: “This is not a place to come die,:Heather’s House has admitted half a dozen patients since opening the first of its rooms this fall. Several have indeed needed more than home care could provide at the end of life. But for others, it can be a stepping stone to returning home. According to Tracee, who has directed the organization for the past decade, HIA Heather’s House also serves patients who need more intensive care than can be provided at home – intensive pain management, for example.And then there are the family members who are caring for their loved one at home. Heather’s House can provide them with much-needed relief from that 24/7 responsibility. Called “respite care,” their patient can spend up to five days at the facility.HIA Heather’s House also welcomes those with dementia. When symptoms escalate to the point where The entryway at HIA Heather’s House is relaxed and comfortable.specialized care and environment are needed, they can be admitted to six special patient rooms on a separate wing with increased security.PAYING THE BILLSAll of HIA Hospice’s services are coordinated from the $28 million facility at 3800 56th Ave. S. Three years of planning and construction culminated in a ribbon-cutting in July. The first six of 18 rooms were ready for patients in September; another dozen will open up in coming months, including six specifically designed for patients with dementia.Like everyone who receives its care, they receive no bills from HIA Hospice. Hospice services are generally covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Other expenses are funded by the charitable donors who have supported Hospice from the very beginning.Community supporters were key to financing the expansive facility. Among them: The Butler family, in whose honor it was named; Steve Scheel; Gate City Bank; BTD Manufacturing; and other businesses, as well as the Otto Bremer Trust. Many community members have also supported the project.More information on all of HIA Hospice’s history, services and programs, and to donate, go to www.hiahealth.org.</div>

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When most hear the word “hospice,” they think of dying … of caring for those for whom time has grown desperately short. But that’s not what Heather’s House is all about, says Tracee Capron, the executive director of HIA Hospice. “What can we do to help you live well, as long as you’re here?” she asks. “Hospice is not about dying. It’s about living.”

Helping Hands and Open Hearts

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When most hear the word “hospice,” they think of dying … of caring for those for whom time has grown desperately short. But that’s not what Heather’s House

Helping Hands and Open Hearts

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