Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard will see a change in leadership at the end of the year.

After five years at the helm, Cathy Wozniak will retire as executive director. Taking her place will be the organization’s first clinical director, Chantale Patterson, who has been in the role for nearly nine years.

“Chantale will do a great job...” Ms. Wozniak said. “I leave with no worries.”

Ms. Patterson knows the organization from the ground up.

“I was trained as a nurse because I’m passionate about caring for people, and that stands true no matter what role I’ve ever been in...” Ms. Patterson said. “I won’t be at the bedside like I was in the past, but that passion is what’s going to drive my leadership and my vision for the organization.”

Ms. Patterson is from Grafton and moved to the Island in 2014 with her husband, Jason Patterson, who helped build the Beach Road bridge over Lagoon Pond. She said they fell in love with the Vineyard community and decided to never leave.

She’s seen the organization grow from just seven staff members to 25 people, and credits employees and volunteers for its success.

“When I’ve trained new nurses coming in, I always say that one of the coolest things about this job is that you never go home at night wondering if you made a difference, because you just know...” she said.

In her new role, Ms. Patterson said she’s excited to focus on educational outreach. She nodded with enthusiasm when Ms. Wozniak said one of the most common things the organization hears from its patients and family members is that they wish they called sooner.

Ms. Patterson said many people are afraid to call them because there’s a stigma attached to death that makes people not want to talk about it.

“I say all the time... just call us,” Ms. Patterson said. “Let us come in and tell you about what we do. Because oftentimes, when you see the face and you meet the team, that scariness goes away.”

She added that 85 per cent of Americans wish to die in their home, but only 25 per cent actually do. And it’s not just important for elderly people to have a plan in-place, she stressed.

“I firmly believe anyone over the age of 18 should have a healthcare proxy and some sort of directive that says what your wishes are.” she said.

One challenge, Ms. Patterson anticipates, is the ongoing cuts to healthcare funding by President Donald Trump’s administration. In recent months, all of the organization’s patients use Medicare.

She said one-in-three Island residents are in the 65 years or older age bracket. The fastest growing population is the 85 years or older bracket, which is particularly vulnerable, she said.

Ms. Wozniak clearly remembers the day the organization became certified for Medicare: Sept. 30, 2022. She said it was an enormous victory because it helped them access more patients.

“When we went through our first Medicare survey, we obviously wanted to do well, and we’re sitting there with board members and staff, and the surveyor says to us, ‘I’m recommending certification and we found no deficiencies,’” she said. “That is such a big deal.... We were all just ready to stand-up and [cheer].”

Ms. Wozniak joined the organization in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, COVID-19 did not spread between any of their patients or staff because they worked diligently to limit exposure while still providing care.

In retirement, she will divide her time between the Island and being with her children who live in the Delaware and Philadelphia area. She said it’s been an honor to lead the organization and get to know the Island community.

“The people here are wonderful,” Ms. Wozniak said. “They’re genuine.”

The organization’s motto is “neighbors helping neighbors.”

“This organization is 44 years old, and we want to be here tomorrow, next year, and years to come,” Ms. Wozniak said.

The organization’s annual Summer Soiree fundraiser fundraiser will be at Farm Neck Golf Club on August 4 at 5:30. For tickets and information, visit hospiceofmv.org.