MEET THE TWILIGHT BRIGADE
NEW BRANCH IN FRESNO ACCOMPANIES LOCAL HEROES
The No Veteran Dies Alone (NVDA) program was inspired by a poignant story from Sandra Clarke, a critical care nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. In 1988, she witnessed the loneliness of a terminally ill elderly patient who had no one by his side. This moment sparked Sandra's vision to create a volunteer program that would ensure no patient would die alone. Since then, the idea has spread, inspiring hospitals across the U.S., including the VA health care system, to establish similar programs.
NVDA is now a volunteer-led initiative under the VA Central California Health Care System, where volunteers provide emotional support and companionship for Veterans at the end of their lives. The program honors Veterans' rights, supports their spiritual needs, and enables families to take a short respite, knowing their loved ones are not alone. Each volunteer shift offers the most valuable gift to Veterans facing their final moments: the gift of presence and peace.