NAHC/HCAW Statement on the Murder of Doug Brant

NAHC/HCAW Statement on the Murder of Doug Brant

Washington, D.C. – The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the Home Care Association of Washington (HCAW) are deeply saddened by the senseless murder of Providence VNA home health nurse Doug Brant, on December 1, as he was caring for a patient in Spokane, Washington.

Doug was a highly respected health care professional, and his death is a devastating loss for those who knew him, worked with him, and were cared for by him. Our sympathies are with his loved ones during this tragic and difficult time.

While horrible events such as this are extremely rare for providers of care in the home, the home care and hospice community is working hard to make everyone, patients, and providers, feel safe during visits. NAHC is leading a national safety task force to improve safety for all who provide care in the home and that important work will continue. Working in home care and hospice is a safe, important, and rewarding job, and we take some comfort knowing Doug loved his job and believed providing care in the home is one of the most important jobs in health care.

All Americans deserve to the best possible care in the home and to feel safe while they are providing that care.

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About NAHC: The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) is the voice of home care and hospice. NAHC represents the nation’s 33,000 home care and hospice providers, along with the more than two million nurses, therapists, and aides they employ. These caregivers provide vital services to Americans who are aged, disabled, and ill. Some 12 million patients depend on home care and hospice providers, who depend on NAHC for the best in advocacy, education, and information. NAHC is a nonprofit organization that helps its members maintain the highest standards of care. To learn more, visit nahc.org.