Submitted Photo: Forrest General Home Care and Hospice Staff are pictured at the annual Leadership Conference for the Louisiana/Mississippi Hospice Palliative Care Organization. Pictured, front row from left are Libby Carroll, Becky Pardue, Bro. Ken Roberts, Melita Miller, Stephanie Shedler, President LMHPCO and Alphonso Willis, M.D. Pictured, back row from left are Jamey Boudreaux, LMHPCO Executive Director and Larry Russum

HATTIESBURG- Ken Roberts, Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator for Forrest General Hospice, has been recognized as the Heart of Hospice Award Recipient for Mississippi from the Louisiana/Mississippi Hospice Palliative Care Organization.

This award recognizes an individual in Louisiana and Mississippi for commitment, dedication and outstanding care for Hospice patients and their families. Roberts has served as chaplain for Forrest General Hospice for five years, previously serving as a volunteer chaplain at Forrest General Hospital. Roberts is committed to enhancing the lives of his patients and their families and has performed numerous baptisms, weddings and funeral services when called upon. He is known as a cheerful listener, encourager and a great storyteller, especially about fishing, gardening, spirituality and The University of Alabama football. His practice of a simple philosophy – that every ministry must start with love – has led him to be respected among his coworkers, loved by his patients and honored by organizations such as the Louisiana/Mississippi Hospice Palliative Care Organization that recognize outstanding service and compassion.

“When one loves those being ministered to, then the deeds become part of the ministry,” said Roberts. “End-of-life care and bereavement provide opportunities to let those who are suffering know that someone cares and can help them through the pain. Together we can help patients reclaim their integrity, maintain dignity and restore meaning and purpose to their lives.”

Melita Miller, Director of Forrest General Home Care and Hospice, is proud of Roberts for receiving this recognition, saying “Brother Ken is most deserving of this award as he demonstrates compassion and empathy in caring for our Hospice patients, families, and coworkers.”

For more information on Forrest General Home Care and Hospice, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445 or visit www.forrestgeneral.com/fghservices.