A Time to Take Pause

I have the good fortune of living in our nation’s capital, a wonderful spot to be during the July 4 festivities. While the fireworks are always spectacular and the spirit of patriotism palpable, what I also enjoy is the time we take to pay tribute to the many individuals in our own communities who, through their service and dedication, enrich our lives.

Julia Quinlan, the mother of Karen Ann Quinlan, is one of the first people that comes to my mind. June 11 marked the 25-year anniversary of her daughter’s death and, in May, she helped celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the hospice she and her late-husband, Joseph, founded in their daughter’s honor. I had the opportunity to talk with her last month about her family’s decade-long ordeal, how she came to learn about hospice, and the work she is still doing at the vibrant age of 83. Excerpts from our conversation appear in the July issue of NHPCO’s NewsLine, and I think, as you read it, you will find her accomplishments inspiring. Members can find July NewsLine at www.nhpco.org/newsline)

Mrs. Quinlan is one of the exceptional people who make hospice care what it is today, but there are others. A few weeks ago, as I was reviewing our first digital edition of Insights, I was reminded of many others. This magazine, which is a publication of NHPCO’s National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals, is very much a forum for our membership. Under the guidance of NCHPP’s leadership, members from around the country contribute articles about the work they are doing to improve care at the bedside. This particular issue mirrors the theme of our August conference on Developing the Care Continuum, and includes 15 articles by well-known hospice leaders as well as lesser-known clinicians who are equally committed. I’d like to offer a link to the digital issue of Insights for those who are interested in sharing the work of NHPCO members.

Last but not least, I’d like to personally thank John Thoma, the CEO of Hospice of Wake County, for writing the July NewsLine cover story about NHPCO’s new Standards and how it has benefited his program. He and his fellow members on the Quality and Standards Committee were instrumental in making this critical document a practical tool for the entire membership.

While the long holiday is now behind us, I hope you have each set aside time to enjoy some sunshine with your friends and loved ones. While our dedication to service excellence is both necessary and laudable, it requires sufficient rest.

Don

Wear a White Ribbon to Raise Awareness of Advance Care Planning

Fifth Anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s Death:
Wear a White Ribbon to Raise Awareness of Advance Care Planning

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Reminds People, “It’s About How You LIVE”
(Alexandria, Va) – Five years ago national attention was riveted as the husband and parents of Terri Schiavo waged a very public legal battle regarding who had authority to determine if she would have wanted artificial means to prolong her life. While many Americans learned about the importance of planning for critical healthcare decisions before a crisis, two-thirds of the public have not completed an advance directive.

As the fifth anniversary of Ms. Schiavo’s death approaches on March 31, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is encouraging all Americans to wear a white ribbon to increase awareness of advance care planning. The ribbon also reminds people of the importance of both documenting wishes by completing an advance directive, and talking with their loved ones about their care decisions before a medical crisis.

An individual’s preferences for the kind of medical care they would or would not want are very personal and important decisions. Advance care planning lets you decide the kind of healthcare you want at the end of your life—and helps you make your wishes known.

“It doesn’t matter whether you want every medical intervention available up until the day you die, or whether you want to spend the final period of your life receiving what many call ‘comfort care,’—it should be your decision,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO.

“Another critical piece of advance care planning includes talking about your decisions with your loved ones, healthcare providers, clergy, and others important to you,” Schumacher added.

People are occasionally confused by the terms associated with advance care planning. One aspect of an advance directive, called a living will, lets you explain the care you would want. An advance directive also includes a healthcare power-of-attorney which enables you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf should you not be able to speak for yourself.

The advance care planning ribbon was created by NHPCO’s consumer-engagement program, Caring Connections, to help people focus on the message: “It’s About How You LIVE.” The vision of the LIVE campaign is to motivate people to take at least one step along a continuum of learning, implementing, voicing and engaging in end-of-life issues before a crisis arises.
Advance Care Planning Ribbon Campaign materials are available online and include pledge cards, flyers, Powerpoint presentations and more. (Note: Advance Care Ribbon lapel pins are available from NHPCO's Marketplace.)

Two weeks after this anniversary, annual National Healthcare Decisions Day will be observed in communities across the country. This national day of awareness, held on April 16 every year, is promoted by national, state, and local organizations including healthcare providers, advocacy groups, attorneys, and other organizations. Learn more about this day of outreach at nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.
More information about advance care planning is available at caringinfo.org/planningahead or by calling the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898.

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Contact:
Jon Radulovic
NHPCO, Vice President of Communications
703/837-3139
jradulovic@nhpco.org