[simage=4964,200,y,left]
March is Social Work Month which highlights the essential role social workers play in alleviating some of America’s most difficult problems. Two local women have dedicated their careers to helping to improve the lives of those with life-limiting illnesses through HCI Care Services.

Knoxville residents Rhonda Thompson and Mary Jo McLain have spent the last three years as part of the HCI team and both women say a family experience led them to this field of work. McLain and Thompson are part of an interdisciplinary group serving Marion, Jasper, Mahaska and Jasper counties where they help patients and their families manage ongoing challenges and psychosocial needs.

McLain says her favorite part of the job is being allowed to walk with the patient and family in this final stage of life and to help them see that even in sorry there is joy. While Thompson says she feels blessed to assist families and parients through difficult decision with compassion and dignity. She says she especially enjoys working to fulfill final wishes thought impossible for their patients in need through the generosity of donors and the HCI foundation.