Call855.542.7267FREE

Trending news and updates around the Harbor system:


  • Connecting Care Conference 2017 - 10/20/17 - Last weekend, Harbor Hospice hosted their 4th annual Connecting Care Hospice and Palliative Care Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas. The conference kicked off on Friday, October 13th with dinner and drinks inside the Gaylord Resort. Over 90 Physicians, Directors of Nursing, and Registered Nurses were in attendance, as well as members of Harbor Hospices executive management team. Attendees enjoyed networking with leading associates in the healthcare field, in-depth presentations of the latest research, and 5 star accommodations.
    Saturday’s events were led by Harbors Director of Spiritual Counselors, Jerry Fenter. Speakers at this years’ conference included Alexander Peralta Jr., MD DABHPM HMDC, Director of Palliative Care Services and Chief Medical Director Officer for Compass Hospice, Clare Hawkins MD FSC FAAFP, Program Director of The San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and David Capper MD FACP FAAHPM, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Metabolism Care Associates. Additional Guest Speakers included Dr. Qamar Arfeen, Founder and CEO of Harbor Healthcare System, Dr. Debra Gummelt, Chief Medical Officer of Harbor Hospice, and Brenna Rodriguez C.H.A, Administrator of Harbor Hospice of Beaumont.
    Each speaker presented innovative and comprehensive presentations of topics that included; Common Ethical Dilemmas in Hospice, Take a Breath While You Still Can: The Ins and Outs of Severe Dyspnea, Advanced Illness Conversations, Addressing Physician Burnout and Fostering Resilience, Wounds at the End of Life – Palliative Wound Care Management, The Neuro-Circuitry of Touch – The Social Impact, The Roles of a Medical Director, Influential Leadership: Making a Positive Difference in the Lives of Those You Serve and, The History of Harbor Hospice.
    Harbor Hospice would like to thank everyone who attended and look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s conference.
  • Harbor Care in Houston Area - 10/02/17 - Harbor is pleased to announce the launch of Harbor Care Palliative & Supportive Care in the Greater Houston Area starting November 1, 2017. We Support what Is Right For You. Harbor CEO, Dr. Qamar Arfeen For more information, call 855-8-Harbor. Palliative Care is healthcare focused on relieving symptoms and preventing the suffering of patients, regardless of the prognosis. It provides supportive care to the patient and their family. Supportive care is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes mellitus.
  • Connecting Care - 09/25/17 - Harbor Hospice is pleased to announce their 2017 Palliative and Hospice Care Conference, Connecting Care. This year’s conference will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas. Connecting Care is designed to provide attendees with an innovative and comprehensive overview of the latest research developments presented by leading associates in the healthcare field.
    Speakers at this year’s conference will include; Alexander Peralta Jr., MD DABHPM HMDC, Director of Palliative Care Services and Chief Medical Director Officer for Compass Hospice, Clare Hawkins MD FSC FAAFP, Program Director of The San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and David Capper MD FACP FAAHPM, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Metabolism Care Associates. Additional Guest Speakers will include Dr. Qamar Arfeen, Founder and CEO of Harbor Healthcare System, Dr. Debra Gummelt, Chief Medical Officer of Harbor Hospice, and Dr. Garret Peel, President and CEO of Previty Clinic for Surgical Care.
    The Gaylord Texan Resort is a one-of-a-kind hotel with luxurious accommodations, first-class restaurants, eclectic shops and 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and winding waterways. Attendees will enjoy networking with leading associates in the healthcare field, in-depth presentations of the latest research, and 5 star accommodations.
  • Tribute to Hospice Nurse, by E.V. Stankowski, RN - 09/22/17 - When it comes to death and dying, there's a special gift you share One that angels all admire, one that goes beyond just care It's a gift of deep commitment, one that eases pain & fear and alleviates the sorrow, when the hour of death is near. Yet this gift is more than comfort, more than nursing at its best for it cradles every patient, right up til their last request in this gift you give compassion, wrapped in dignity and love an in honor of our calling, there's a tribute found above as a tribute to your Nursing, all the care that you bestow high above this earthly planet, hangs a Hospice Nurse Rainbow and this rainbow graces Heaven, a remind of your goals "End-of-life-care" you excel at, it's your gift to human souls to the soul of every patient, every brother, Mom and Dad every household member present, every heart that's feeling sad to alleviate this sadness, that engulfs a grieving heart counseling and intervention, set your Nursing skills apart so within the skies of heaven, bows of silver dangle high on a rainbow made of glory, that makes every Angel sigh and upon each bow of silver, there appears a nurse's name as an everlasting tribute, for the Heavens to Proclaim.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Jasper Inpatient Updates - 09/20/17 - The newest Harbor Hospice House in Jasper, Texas is expected to be complete late 2017. For the latest updates, visit our Harbor Hospice of Jasper Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HHEastTexasJasper
    When symptoms cannot be managed at home, or when families are having difficulty coping with an in-home death, Harbor Hospices inpatient facilities will provide care in a warm, homelike setting. The beautiful, serene, inpatient facility will offer the comfort of home while providing round-the-clock, expert medical care.
    Harbor’s philosophy of holistic Hospice and Palliative Care is provided by an around-the-clock, specialized Interdisciplinary Team. We understand that every person is unique. That’s why we strive to provide support for the most individualized plan by listening to your needs and creating environments unique to each and every individual.
    All GIP Facilities are open 24 hours a day. Patient amenities and community areas are geared toward the medical staff, patients, family, and friends.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Free Tetanus and Hep A vaccinations - 09/15/17 - Harbor Hospice is excited to announce that we will be providing adults (only) with FREE Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations!
    Harbor Hospice will serve the folks in Galveston County who were affected by Hurricane Harvey on Saturday, September 23rd from 9:00am – 12:00pm at Hometown Heroes Park located at 1001 East League City Parkway in League City. Release forms will need to be filled out by each person receiving a vaccination. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
    Harbor Hospice, founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen, is committed to rebuilding our community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • 8th Annual Dinner for Life canceled to aide Harvey Relief - 09/13/17 - In light of the massive devastation our city is experiencing from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, Harbor Foundation has made the decision to cancel our 8th Annual Dinner for Life, Derby Days, which was previously scheduled for October 20th, 2017 at the Event Centre.
    Instead, Harbor Foundation has decided to focus our efforts and expand the reach of our mission to help the residents of our community recover. We have chosen to join the recovery efforts by creating The Harbor Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund. All of the tax-deductible donations to this fund will be available for residents of Houston and Southeast Texas who have suffered loss and damage during Hurricane Harvey. For more information on how to apply for assistance or make a donation, please visit www.HarborFoundation.com
    We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our Annual Dinner for Life Gala in the past, and hope that you will continue to support us as we contribute to the recovery of our community. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail info@harborfoundation.com or call 409.981.1888.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Harbor Hospice care for community - 09/07/17 - Harbor Hospice of Beaumont hosted the LifeShare Blood Center Bus last Friday to support a Blood Drive to benefit hospitals and medical centers that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Dozens of people came out and we were able to far surpass our unit goal.
    Harbor was also able to donate and administer hundreds of much needed tetanus shots to Hardin County on Friday at the Pinewood Fire Station in Sour Lake. Hardin County residents were able to come and get the vaccinations free of charge. Harbor Hospice is dedicated to rebuilding our community in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Harbor Hospice gives back - 09/07/17 - Despite facing the challenges of Hurricane Harvey, Harbor Hospice of Beaumont is working harder than ever to give back to their community. Several of our team members spent their week preparing and serving food to neighborhoods that have been hardest by this disaster. Harbor Hospice went out to Pinewood estates on Wednesday and Thursday this week to offer a hot meal and cold drinks to some of those who needed it most. Residents and volunteers all across SETX have been working day and night to restore their homes and clear out all the debris caused by the storm. With homes destroyed, and many grocery stores still under stocked or closed, a hot meal has been hard to come by this week. Every Harbor Hospice location is working hard to gather the supplies and provide the efforts needed to restore our communities.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Harbor Hospice Blood Drive - 09/07/17 - Join Harbor Hospice this Friday, September 8th to donate blood to LifeShare Blood Center! We will be hosting a mobile blood drive outside at 2450 North Major Drive in order to give back to our SETX community that has been hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. The LifeShare Bus will be here to take blood from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. You can walk-in or make an appointment by following the link below.
    Join Harbor Hospice this Friday, September 8th to donate blood to LifeShare Blood Center! We will be hosting a mobile blood drive outside at 2450 North Major Drive in order to give back to our SETX community that has been hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. The LifeShare Bus will be here to take blood from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. You can walk-in or make an appointment by following the link below
    LifeShare provides Beaumont area hospitals with donated blood, along with most of the hospitals in Louisiana, as well as some medical teams in the Houston area. Donating blood is a great and easy way to get involved in the recovery of our communities. Harbor Hospice, founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen, in committed to rebuilding our communities in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
    Harbor Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to a terminally ill patient and their family. Harbor provides the highest quality of care possible by employing a team of healthcare professionals to administer comfort and supportive care to individuals. Founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in 2005, Harbor Hospice has grown to over 50 locations across 5 states. Harbor Hospice admits patients without regard for race, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sex or sexual preference. The admission criteria does not deny admission or service to people with communicable diseases including, but not limited to HIV, MRSA, and Hepatitis B
  • Harbor Hospice Volunteers - 09/05/17 - Our Harbor Hospice Volunteer Program provides a special kind of caring and compassion for our terminally-ill patients and their families. Each day, our volunteers will make a difference in the lives a so many people. In order to improve the quality of life for our patients, volunteers can assist with: reading to a patient, holding a patients hand, staying with a patient while family members take a needed break of keep an appointment, shopping or doing errands for a patient, simply listen to a patient, light household chores, working on crafts and other projects, clerical or other office duties, and much more.
    Roxie Castilaw, Harbor volunteer in Livingston, Texas says “My favorite thing (about volunteering) is seeing the smiles on their faces. Knowing how appreciative they are of the small things I do for them. Making them happy in their last days make my heart happy!”
    Harbor Hospice was founded in 2005 by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in Beaumont, Texas. If you are interested in becoming a Harbor Hospice volunteer, visit www.harborhospice.com/volunteers
  • Hurricane Harvey - 08/29/17 - Harbor would like to keep their thoughts with everyone who is being affected by Hurricane Harvey. Much of Southeast Texas has suffered unimaginable flooding and hardships. Our staff has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and care for all of our patients and their families. As we continue to face the rain, we ask that everyone stays informed and adheres to the warning of local officials.
    During this time, all Harbor Hospice patients can call 855-5-Harbor for assistance. In response to the storm, Harbor CEO Dr. Qamar Arfeen reached out saying "Words cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone who have gone above and beyond to help others. The whole team has been working around the clock with smiles on their faces; of course we have a few more days of this challenge. We pray that we all get through this safely and OK"
  • We Honor Veterans - 08/24/17 - Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles employees and volunteers participated in the “City of Refuge” service project this week, benefiting homeless veterans in the Lake Charles area. The “City of Refuge” is non-profit a Homeless Veterans shelter in Vinton, Louisiana. Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles Volunteer Coordinator, Monet Brashear, stated “We had a wonderful time meeting these men and letting them know we care about them and appreciate their service to our country”. Harbor Hospice also donated and assortment of gifts and supplies to the veterans.
    Harbor Hospice, founded by CEO Dr. Qamar Arfeen, has also partnered with “We Honor Veterans”, an organization that works with hospices around the country to ensure that excellent care is giving to our nation’s Veterans and their families when they are facing life-limiting illnesses.
    If you would like to learn more or donate to “City of Refuge”, visit www.acityofrefuge.org
  • New Chief Medical Director - 08/23/17 - Harbor Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Dr. Debra Gummelt as our new Chief Medical Officer. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gummelt will be responsible for oversight and medical leadership for all Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physicians, and licensed hospice agencies throughout Harbor Healthcare System. This leadership role works to ensure continuous improvement of quality, compliance, and mentorship though an administrative voice for Harbor Healthcare System.
    Prior to joining the Harbor family, Dr. Gummelt has spent the last 18 years as a Hospice and Home Health Medical Director in Conroe, Texas. In her previous Medical Director positions, Dr. Gummelt has demonstrated great success and leadership in patient care.
    She received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Texas Lutheran College and then when on to receive her Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine with Honors from the University of North Texas. Dr. Gummelt is prestigious member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine and has recognized as an Active Teacher in Family Medicine from the Conroe Medical Education Foundation.
    Harbor Healthcare System is honored to have Dr. Gummelt join the Harbor family. Her experience will be instrumental in achieving our mission of providing the highest quality of care for our patients and their families. Harbor Healthcare System was founded by Dr. Qamar Arfeen in Beaumont, Texas.
  • Harbor Care - 08/22/17 - Harbor Care Palliative & Supportive Care Program provides care to patients and their families, focused on relieving symptoms and preventing the suffering of patients, regardless of prognosis. Harbor Care Palliative Care can be available in a patient’s home or a local nursing facility. Supportive care is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes mellitus.
    The goal of Harbor Care Palliative & Supportive Care Program is to provide relief from pain and distressing symptoms, while offering a 24-hour support system of doctors, nurses, aides, and specialists to help patients live as actively as possible. It is important to remember that unlike hospice care, palliative care is not dependent on prognosis, and is not limited to end-of-life care. Palliative care may be appropriate at any point during illness and can be utilized at the same time as curative and life-prolonging treatment.
  • Ice Cream Social - 08/15/17 - Last week, Harbor Hospice of Victoria, Texas partnered with Cater Healthcare (Home Health) to treat a local medical clinic to an ice cream social. Banana splits were served by Harbor Hospice employees and enjoyed by staff members. Harbor Hospice is committed to educating the community and increasing the awareness of the hospice concept of care among medical professionals, lay persons, clergy and those in need of a compassionate approach of care.
    Founded in 2005 by CEO Dr. Qamar Arfeen, Harbor Healthcare System is an integrated healthcare management organization that oversees a network of companies including Harbor Hospice, Harbor Home Health, Alliance Medical Services, Diagnostic Group, and Harbor Foundation. Dr. Arfeen and Harbor Healthcare System are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to each patient through overseeing services such as inpatient and outpatient hospice and palliative care, pulmonary rehab, bariatric surgery, specialized durable medical equipment, and much more. Harbor Healthcare System is proudly based in corporate offices in Houston and Beaumont, Texas, and manages companies in Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Michigan.
  • Volunteer Blankets - 08/07/17 - Harbor Hospice is known for going above and beyond to enrich the lives of their patients. Harbor Hospice of Victoria, Texas has enlisted the help of local church group to create specialty, hand crocheted blankets as a gift to their patients. These blankets, created with yarn donated to Harbor Hospice, will be hand delivered to hospice patients by Harbor Volunteers.
    Harbor Hospice Volunteers contribute to the team approach of care that Harbor Hospice delivers. Whether they offer a listening ear to patients and families, assist with daily household activities for patients, provide grief support, serve as a companion to loved ones or share their personal expertise to help promote hospice care, the time given to Harbor Hospice families by volunteers can be the most rewarding experiences of their lives

Harbor Hospice….where compassion never ends.

Who is Harbor Hospice

Harbor Hospice is much more than a place. We are devoted to giving each family a gift when they need it most...quality of life for our patients when they are facing life's greatest challenge.

At Harbor Hospice our commitment to excellence is reflected in our core values. Conveying these values throughout the organization with excitement and passion by word and action is what drives us.

“The gift of hospice is its capacity to help families see how much can be shared at the end of life. It is no wonder that many families can look back upon their hospice experience with gratitude.”

- Naomi Naierman, CEO AHF