Hospice services discussion kicks off Mercantile Bank series

KALAMAZOO—The director of community relations and development at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan will share her insights into the services offered by the long-time leader of hospice care in the Kalamazoo area as Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business kicks off its 2014-15 Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series.

Laura Latiolais, director of community relations and development, will discuss "Care at the End of Life: What Hospice Provides" at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, in 2150 Schneider Hall. The event is free and open to the public and begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp. Free parking is available.

About the organization

For more than 30 years, the staff and volunteers of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan have cared for the sick, the dying and the grieving in our community. The non-profit, community-based agency accepts clients based on need for care, without regard to ability to pay. While many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, have comprehensive hospice benefits, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan also receives memorial gifts and private contributions to fund an extensive grief support program and other services not covered by insurance reimbursement.

Latiolais has served in her current position since 1996. She oversees coordinating community education and fundraising activities for all programs of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Latiolais also serves as a volunteer mentor through the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo and is a volunteer reader for The Late Show program at the Kalamazoo Juvenile Home. Previously, she worked as a donor relations officer for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and as the business manager for the Kalamazoo Bach Festival.

Upcoming speakers

• Oct. 31: Dr. Robert Harrison, assistant professor of marketing, will discuss his latest research regarding Black Friday shopping.
• Nov. 21: Bob Miller, WMU associate vice president for community outreach, will present an update on the Business Technology and Research Park.

About the series

The Mercantile Bank of Michigan Breakfast Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current topics of interest.

For more information or to register, contact the Haworth College of Business at (269) 387-6059 or at wmich.edu/business/mercantile-rsvp.