PORTSMOUTH — State Senator Joe Uecker and State Rep. Terry Johnson visited the SOMC Hospice facility on Friday, Dec. 14 as they recently announced the approval of $350,000 in capital appropriations for the SOMC Hospice expansion campaign, Transcending Lives.

“The measure of the strength of a community can be taken on how it treats the most desperate of its needs,” said Johnson. “Providing help for those who need it most in some of the hardest times for our community’s families shows that SOMC measures up to this task in every way.”

The funding is part of the $3 million project that is expected to break ground this coming spring.

“It is easy for me to get on board with projects down here. There is a lot of work that can be done in this area, and as far as the hospice here, all you have to do is have one experience with a loved one, family member, friend, I have had both in hospice services, and you realize just how important it is to the individual and to the families,” said Uecker. “I am forever grateful to the folks at the hospice centers around Ohio and around the country who do such a great job.”

Donations are still needed to complete the fundraising campaign. For more information about the campaign visit its website atwww.somc.org/givetohospice or contact Mary Arnzen, SOMC  Development Foundation at arnzenm@somc.org or 740-356-2504.