Forrest Health Foundation Breaks Ground on Expansions at Asbury Hospice House
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (March 25, 2026) Asbury Hospice House opened its doors 10 years ago, thanks to generous donors who supported this initiative of the Forrest Health Foundation. Since that time, more than 4,600 patients, supported by their families and a dedicated nursing staff, have received compassionate end-of-life care at Asbury.
When the facility, which features a home-like setting, was dedicated, there were already ideas in place of ways to make the facility better, in time. As families made the hospice journey alongside Asbury staff members, those needs became more apparent.
Those ideas are now coming to fruition following a groundbreaking ceremony March 25 on the grounds of the South 40th Avenue facility. Additions will include a larger family area, children’s play areas, pavilion for special family occasions, and a larger onsite pharmacy. Again, these latest additions are supported through fundraising efforts and donations to the Foundation, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“We are proud to have reached the point where we can begin construction on this next phase at Asbury,” said Martha Dearman, executive director for the Foundation. “Every family deserves a peaceful, supportive environment during end-of-life care. This expansion allows us to extend that promise to the families we care for. We can provide not just expert medical care, but compassion, dignity, and space for meaningful moments together.
“The Asbury Hospice House makes a tremendous difference in the lives of so many in our community, and we are honored to have it here in Hattiesburg.”
Approximately $3 million was raised for the project, which got underway about three weeks ago, and is slated for completion in the spring of 2027.
“We are excited to be here today to celebrate the next chapter of Asbury Hospice House,” said Lou Mapp, Foundation board chair. “I represent the 25 board members of the Foundation, and we are pleased to see resources being poured into a critical healthcare need in our region. Today, we are not just turning over soil, we are laying the foundation for something deeply important to our community. These additional resources will enhance this place we call Asbury Hospice House as a place of comfort, dignity, and passion.
“This project would not be possible without the vision, generosity and dedication of so many. Our hospital leadership, community partners, donors, many of which are Forrest Health employees, are advocates who believe in compassion and care. Because of you, this vision is becoming a reality. Thank you for being part of this moment and for helping build not just a facility but a legacy of care.”
Forrest Health Vice President Troy Daniels noted that since Asbury opened its doors in 2016, “families have taken a journey alongside the most compassionate staff members in our Forrest Health system. In order to continue that care, we are expanding our services with this addition.
“We hope this will provide more onsite resources for families during their stay. Part of what we do here is part of the continuum of care that Forrest Health continues to focus on.”
For more information about the Foundation, visit
FGH Healthcare Foundation
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