SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Prairie Haven Hospice of Scottsbluff is partnering with StoryCorps Legacy, a program that provides people with serious illness and their families the opportunity to record, preserve, and share the stories of their lives.

StoryCorps is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and collecting oral history interviews. Through a three-month partnership with Prairie Haven Hospice, StoryCorps will assist Prairie Haven staff and volunteers in conducting and recording interviews with area residents using equipment provided by StoryCorps.

People who are nearing the end of life or who are affected by serious illness may participate in the StoryCorps project. They will be interviewed about their lives in the comfort of their own residences. The conversations will be recorded and each participant will receive a copy of their interview. An additional copy of the audio recording will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. There is no charge for participation.

Prairie Haven Hospice staff and volunteers will conduct the legacy interviews between April 19 and July 12 of this year. They are currently seeking participants for interviews.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to partner with StoryCorps Legacy project to offer those we serve an opportunity to participate in life review and sharing their stories. I am very grateful to our hospice staff and volunteers for their commitment to this program,” said Linda Rock, Executive Director of Prairie Haven Hospice.

StoryCorps interviews are conversations between two people who know each other, typically a family member or friend. In StoryCorps Legacy, participants with serious illness or their caregivers are the storytellers. They are asked open-ended questions about their lives by their interview partner. A staff member trained by StoryCorps Legacy is also present during the interview to handle all technical aspects of the recording and complete the necessary paperwork.

Participants are encouraged to share memories and wisdom but not worry too much about specific details, such as exact dates or locations. The interview process takes about an hour. Recording time is 40 minutes, but can be flexible based on participant needs.

“Looking a loved one in the eyes and asking about his or her life is one of the greatest gifts we can give one another. The simple act of listening tells them how much they matter, and documenting that conversation for posterity tells them that they won’t be forgotten,” says StoryCorps founder and president Dave Isay.

StoryCorps is not a clinical program and does not require or maintain health records of its participants. The organization works through partner organizations that have existing relationships with community members. Participation is voluntary, and StoryCorps protects the privacy of all participants throughout the interview experience.

People who are interested in volunteering to share their life stories through the StoryCorps Legacy project may call Prairie Haven Hospice social worker Whitney Hoyle at 308-630-1149.

Prairie Haven Hospice focuses on providing care that meets the unique needs of people with a terminal illness and their families at the end of life. Prairie Haven Hospice is located in Scottsbluff and Alliance, Neb. They can be reached at 308-630-1149 or 877-699-7794 toll free if you or someone you know could benefit from hospice.