Kevin McHugh, RN, MSN, president of Agapé Hospice, the largest hospice provider in South Carolina, was recently elected vice-chair of the Directors Group of The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care.

McHugh, who also serves on The Carolinas Center’s public policy committee, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. His managerial experience and knowledge of the current nursing and hospice profession has enabled him to pioneer the exponential growth of Agapé Hospice, and hospice services, throughout South Carolina.

Prior to his employment with Agapé Hospice, McHugh served in the United States Army from 1976 to 2003. There, he received many honors and awards, including The Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. McHugh has worked in various aspects of the health care field for many years from hospital, clinic, and prison nursing, to creating and then directing a college nursing program, to being an Instructor in a Master in Nursing program. He has also previously served as a hospice RN, compliance and quality improvement director, education director, and administrator and executive director for other large hospice programs.

McHugh later went on to start and grow his own hospice company, as well as directed the building, certification, staffing, and placement of nine Hospice Houses.

The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care is a two-state association representing over 100 hospice and palliative care providers in North and South Carolina. The organization provides support to local hospice programs through technical assistance, education, and advocacy in the state legislature, state regulatory bodies, and Congress. The organization supports and promotes access to quality palliative care through the end of life. Hospice care is currently available in each of the 46 South Carolina counties, and in 2010, more than 70,000 patients and their families were served by hospice in the Carolinas.

“It is an honor to be elected to this position, especially during this month of November which we set aside to honor and remember the lives touched by hospice during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. I, along with my fellow association members, want to make sure people understand hospice and how much of a valuable resource it is to the people of South Carolina,” said McHugh.

Agapé Hospice is part of Agapé Senior, a network of residential and health-related companies with services across South Carolina. For more information about Agapé Hospice, visit AgapeHospice.com or call 1-800-411-AGAPÉ (2427). For more information about The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care, visit CCHospice.org.