Belinda Blair, CEO of Hospice of Western Kentucky, voluntarily resigned effective Monday.
Blair was indefinitely suspended June 30 after the board of directors became aware of racially insensitive posts on her personal Facebook page.
Blair previously told Owensboro Times that even though she shared one of three memes that were reported to the board, the other two were posted as a result of her Facebook account being hacked in May. The posts have since been deleted.
Hospice board chair Tom Maddox previously said they began investigating the situation as soon as they were made aware of the posts.
The Board of Directors of Hospice of Western Kentucky issued the following statement Monday afternoon:
“Belinda has a long history of exemplary service not only to Hospice but our entire community. Hospice of Western Kentucky thanks Belinda for her contribution to our organization, and we wish her the best. Hospice of Western Kentucky is also grateful for the continued support of the community as we carry on our mission of caring for those in the final phase of a life-limiting illness without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), national origin, diagnosis, ability to pay, or membership in any other protected category.”
Blair, who came out of retirement in 2018 to take on the job at Hospice, said the decision to resign ultimately came down to spending more time with her loved ones. At 71 years old, and with a decades-long nursing career under her belt, Blair said she felt good about her decision to leave.
“I love Hospice and the community and the services they provide,” she said. “Now it’s time to spend time with my friends and family and give back to the community by volunteering.”
Blair also called her time at Hospice “the most rewarding position I’ve ever had.”
Maddox and Blair declined to comment further about the incident or investigation.
The result of the investigation regarding whether or not Blair’s account was hacked was never revealed.
