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05/05/2008: "Houston Taylor Awarded As A Red Cross Real Hero"

Houston Taylor, R.N., has been selected as a “Real Hero” by the Anacortes-San Juan Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross for his tireless efforts to provide hospice care to San Juan County patients.

When Taylor saw a need for hospice care services in the San Juan Islands, he did NOT say, “Someone should do something about that.” He took it on.

Houston approached Skagit Hospice for the training he would need to deliver care to islanders on his days off, and he labored 24/7 for over a year to provide education on end-of-life issues and support for family, patient and physician to manage symptoms.


After encouraging Skagit Hospice to begin the process that would allow him to serve San Juan County under their Certificate of Need, Houston continued to demonstrate the need that has now meant that Skagit Hospice will soon begin a Medicare-approved hospice service for the San Juan Islands.

Taylor will be honored at the Real Heroes Breakfast on Wednesday, May 14, at the Swinomish Northern Lights Casino near Anacortes. The breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. with the program starting at 7:45 a.m. He joins 13 other local “Heroes” who will be celebrated at the event.

The breakfast is free to attend, but there will be a request for donations to support the local chapter. For reservations or information call (360) 293-2911.