A couple walking hand in hand through a golden field toward the setting sun

Est. 1979 · Hospice for the Cherokee Strip

A land-run town takes care of its own.

Hospice nurses, aides, chaplains and social workers in four offices across seven counties of northwest Oklahoma wheat country, caring for the families who've farmed, taught, preached and ranched here for generations.

Since 1979

Before Medicare paid for hospice, we were already here.

In 1979, four years before Medicare added a hospice benefit, a group of Enid nurses, ministers and farm wives began sitting with dying neighbors so families could rest. They called themselves the Cherokee Strip Hospice Volunteers, after the land run of 1893 that founded this part of Oklahoma.

Today we have four offices, sixty staff and more than a hundred volunteers. But the work is the same: comfort for the patient, steady help for the family, and someone who shows up when it's hard.

— Patricia Roemer, RN, MSN, CHPN, Executive Director

A farmstead with barns and silos under a wide blue sky
  • 1979among Oklahoma's first hospices
  • 4offices across the Strip
  • 7counties of wheat country
  • 13 mo.of grief support afterward

What's never changed

Three promises since 1979

A caregiver sitting with a patient
01

Registered nurse case manager

One nurse who lives near you, knows your family and visits on a set schedule.

Medicare
Two caregivers helping a patient sit up
02

Night and weekend nurse

A nurse from the nearest office answers and drives out when needed.

24/7
A family gathered at a patient's bedside
03

Bereavement support

Calls, letters, visits and grief groups in all four towns.

13 months

Sample family reviews

Letters from wheat country

Your volunteers sat with my grandfather in 1981. Your nurses cared for my father last fall. Forty years and the kindness hasn't changed.
Karen R.Granddaughter and daughter of patients, Enid
Travis drove out past Cherokee at 2 a.m. in an ice storm. The comfort kit got us through the forty minutes until he arrived.
Jim B.Son of a patient, Alfalfa County
Dad wanted to see one more harvest. They planned around it, and we parked his wheelchair at the edge of the field to watch the combines roll.
Amy W.Daughter of a patient, Kingfisher
Dana helped us sort out the wheat lease and the cattle. That was weighing on Mom more than the cancer.
Troy H.Son of a patient, Medford
Col. Delaney pinned my husband in our living room. Bob flew B-52s. He sat up straight and saluted back.
Shirley P.Wife of a veteran, Enid
Pastor Schmidt sang the German hymns with Grandma. Grandma knew every word.
Leah K.Granddaughter of a patient, Meno
Luz braided Mamá's hair and spoke Spanish with her every visit. Mamá lit up.
Ricardo S.Son of a patient, Enid
Dr. Kliewer did video visits when the roads were bad and came in person when it mattered.
Carol D.Wife of a patient, Alva
Rev. Whitecrow prayed with Grandpa in Cheyenne. Grandpa cried, and so did we.
Daniel R.Grandson of a patient, Watonga
A night sitter came three nights a week. I slept for the first time in a month.
Ann F.Daughter and caregiver, Fairview
At the harvest memorial they read Daddy's name as the sun went down over the wheat. I couldn't have imagined a better goodbye.
Rachel T.Daughter of a patient, Lahoma
A nurse visited during our first harvest without him. She knew that's when it would hurt. She was right.
Doris M.Wife of a patient, Helena

Our team

The people at your door

Patricia Roemer, RN, MSN, CHPN, Executive Director

Patricia Roemer, RN, MSN, CHPN

Executive Director

Dr. Edward Kliewer, Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Edward Kliewer

Hospice Medical Director

Dr. Priya Sandhu, Associate Medical Director

Dr. Priya Sandhu

Associate Medical Director

Monica Hayes, RN, Director of Nursing

Monica Hayes, RN

Director of Nursing

Meet the team

Where we care

Wherever home is

The same team and the same Medicare benefit, in any setting.

A clean and modern bedroom interior with a comfortable bed and wooden flooring.
01

At home

Most patients stay in their own bed. We bring the equipment, medicines and team.

  • Equipment delivered
  • Scheduled visits
  • 24/7 phone line
Spacious living room with sofa, TV, and balcony view, featuring hardwood flooring and wooden furniture.
02

On the farm

Section roads and long driveways are part of the job.

  • Rural visits
  • Comfort kit at home
  • Same team
A minimalist bedroom featuring a quilted bedspread, nightstand, and soft lighting for ultimate comfort.
03

In town

An apartment in Enid or a house in Alva, the care is the same.

  • Same team
  • Same benefit
  • Telehealth check-ins
Spacious living room with modern decor, featuring a comfortable sofa and stylish accents.
04

With family

We care for patients in a son's or daughter's home and teach the household.

  • Family training
  • Night sitters
  • Same benefit
Bright sunroom featuring wicker furniture, cozy seating, and lush greenery for a relaxing atmosphere.
05

In assisted living

We add hospice nursing, aides, chaplain and social work to the care in place.

  • Works with staff
  • Family meetings
  • Same team
Stylish outdoor patio with cushioned seating, wooden flooring, and lush greenery.
06

In a nursing home

We work alongside nursing home staff on comfort. Room and board is billed separately.

  • Comfort plan
  • Aide visits
  • Family support
Farm fields at sunset

Our story

Forty-six years on the Strip

Before Medicare paid for hospice, Enid nurses, ministers and farm wives formed the Cherokee Strip Hospice Volunteers to sit with dying neighbors so families could rest.

Read our story

We believe the people who settled this country deserve to leave it from their own front porch. We believe good nursing, honest talk and a phone answered at midnight are worth more than any brochure. We believe in being neighbors first. And after forty-six years, we believe the work is never finished.

Ratings & recognition · sample

  • Readers’ Choice · Best Senior Care
  • Community Choice Awards · Winner
  • Regional Business Journal · Top Workplaces
  • County Chamber · Small Business of the Year
  • Family Caregiver Alliance · Partner
  • Local Hospital System · Preferred Partner

Now hiring

Four towns, one team.

A rancher telling a story from his porch chair

Admissions

When you call

Here's what happens next.

  • A nurse calls you back within the hour
  • A kitchen-table visit, usually the same or next day
  • We explain coverage and answer every question
  • If you begin, equipment and the first nurse visit usually follow within a day
  • One number for all four offices, any hour
Sunday dinner, still at her table
Stories from the porch
Three generations, one table
Home on the Strip

Neighbors since 1979.

Talk with us

Contact

On West Maple, in Enid

Reaching us

  • Office, Mon – Fri8a – 5p
  • Hospice nurse on call24 hours, all four offices
  • Admissions7 days a week

One number for all four offices, any hour. After 5 p.m. it rings straight to the nurse on call nearest you.

Neighbors since 1979.

Call or text with any question. A hospice nurse will answer, and nothing is decided until you're ready.