Hospice Kit Project (REVISED as of February2007)

Note: Due to recent changes in overseas government policy and regulations regarding the importation and management of medications, which include ibuprofen and multivitamins normally included in hospice kits, we have decided to discontinue the inclusion of these medications in the kits. The kits are still valued by our partners for use in the care of terminally ill patients, but now our partners themselves will purchase and insert the medications in the kits before they are distributed. To help cover these expenses, along with the costs of shipping and staff training, we are now asking our faithful supporters to consider contributing the cost of these medications (about $5.00) with each kit. Please do not include the money with the kit, but send it separately to GHM, marked “Hospice Kits.” Thank you!

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has added enormous challenges to health care world wide. Missionaries, their health care worker colleagues, and patients' families in third world countries must provide daily care to AIDS patients who suffer from the symptoms of a devasting, end stage disease. There is pain, nausea, diarrhea, skin eruptions, to name a few. It is not a disease we can ignore - and it is not going away. But what can we do to help? An AIDS/Hospice Kit can provide cleanliness and comfort and hope. Our prayers and generosity can reach far into the lives of those who have been affected. As you pack the kit, pray for the church visitation teams and medical professionals who provide spiritual and medical care and place the kits in the hands of those who are affected by AIDS.

View/download a PDF version of the REVISED Hospice Kit brochure.

Contents

New or gently used:

  • 1 regular size bath towel
  • 1 wash cloth

New items:

  • 1 bath size bar of hand soap (wrapped) - any kind
  • 1 toothbrush
  • 1 tube tooth paste, medium or large (or two small sample sizes) - any kind
  • 1 "pick" comb (see illustration)
  • 1 nail clipper
  • 6 Band-Aids
  • 1 jar or tube of petroleum jelly
  • 1 pair heavy duty household gloves (kitchen type) size: medium
  • 1 small devotional booklet such as Portals of Prayer or Christ in our Home (does not have to be current issue)

Assembling Instructions:

  1. Wrap all items in the towel
  2. Place in large (2 gallon or larger) "Ziploc" plastic bag
  3. Include note: "AIDS/Hospice Kit"
    The note should be visible through the bag
  4. Squeeze the air out of the bag before sending
  5. Pack 10-15 kits to a box

Shipping the Kits

Assembled kits can be sent to GHM for inclusion in shipment overseas. Please send to:

Global Health Ministries
7831 Hickory Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55432

Helpful Hints and Money-Saving Ideas

The more you save, the more kits you can make!

  • Check with local hotel or hospital about towels and wash cloths
  • Check with local dentist about toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Look for gloves, comb, nail clippers, petroleum jelly, bar soap, Band-Aids at "Dollar Store"
  • Check with church secretary about extra devotional booklets