Christian Health Care Center plans to expand hospice care in North Whatcom County with the development of The Hospice Suites at CHCC, a nine-suite project designed to support residents and families during the final stage of life.
Construction is expected to begin this spring, with the suites anticipated to open in fall 2026. An underused area within the existing CHCC building at 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, will be renovated and transformed into hospice suites and shared spaces, allowing the project to build upon existing infrastructure rather than pursue more costly new construction. Carletti Architects is leading the design, with Exxel Pacific serving as general contractor.
Each suite will include a patient bed, sleeper sofa, recliner, television, nightstand, wardrobe and half bath. Shared spaces will include a gathering area with kitchenette and comfortable seating, a reflection room, a private bathing suite and access to a sanctuary garden.
Building on decades of care
For 70 years, families across Whatcom County have turned to Christian Health Care Center for long-term care, therapeutic rehabilitation and hospice care. The Hospice Suites at CHCC will build on that legacy by providing additional rooms and spaces designed specifically for end-of-life care in an environment focused on dignity, comfort and family presence.
“For many of the families we serve, hospice care is a deeply meaningful experience shared with a loved one,” said Tonja Myers, executive director administrator of Christian Health Care Center. “We feel called to do this work and are honored to provide a setting where residents are cared for and families have space to gather and be present.”
In 2025, CHCC provided hospice care in shared rooms to 59 individuals. With the addition of nine private suites, the only nonprofit skilled nursing center in Whatcom County expects to serve more than 100 additional individuals each year at life’s end, depending on length of stay.
The new suites will expand and enhance that experience while giving families an alternative to traveling to Bellingham for hospice care, allowing them to remain closer to loved ones when time together matters most.
Meeting a growing community need
Washington State Department of Health data indicates that approximately 55% of older adults and 23% of younger adults receive hospice care before death. Applied to Whatcom County death records, that translates to roughly 1,000 residents who need hospice services each year.
Families can face difficult choices when hospice care becomes necessary. Some people hope to spend their final days at home, but that is not always possible. Medical needs, caregiver availability and living situations can make home hospice difficult or unrealistic. The Hospice Suites at CHCC will provide an alternative for those who cannot safely receive hospice care at home but still want a home-like setting that prioritizes comfort, privacy and space for loved ones to gather.
Established partnerships provide continuity of care
Christian Health Care Center has a long-standing partnership with PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice to support residents and patients who qualify for hospice care. Under this established relationship, CHCC staff provides skilled nursing care, while PeaceHealth offers clinical support, education and specialized hospice services.
The new hospice suites will operate within this same structure. CHCC will care for individuals admitted specifically for hospice services, as well as current residents who transition from long-term care to end-of-life care. This partnership ensures continuity of care and strong clinical coordination.
Community involvement
Myers said the vision for The Hospice Suites at CHCC has taken shape through the input of staff, volunteers, community partners and supporters who have helped guide the planning process.
“We’re grateful for the many people who have shared their time, ideas and encouragement as this vision has developed,” Myers said. “CHCC was founded to serve the needs of North Whatcom County, and it has continued to grow and evolve as those needs change. Expanding hospice care is another step in that journey and reflects our mission of providing skilled health care services with compassion and love in Christ’s name.”
Fundraising efforts are underway through the CHCC Foundation as part of the Called to Care campaign, which seeks to raise $1.5 million to support the development of The Hospice Suites at CHCC. The foundation, which raises funds to ensure the health care needs of people living in North Whatcom County are met, has already committed $400,000 toward that project. Individuals, families and businesses are invited to join the campaign and help bring the project to life.
More information about The Hospice Suites at CHCC and opportunities to support the project can be found at https://chcclynden.org/called-to-care/.