Why a National Center for Care at the End of Life?

Last April, at NHPCO’s Management and Leadership Conference, we rolled out the public phase of the National Hospice Foundation’s Capital Campaign for the National Center for Care at the End of Life. Some of you may already be aware of this important investment for the future of end-of-life care in this county. In fact, we’ve already raised $2.4 million of our $10 million goal, so things are off to a great start.

You may ask, “Why do we need a national center for end-of-life care?” Well, it has never been more important that we, as the nation’s hospice and palliative care community, have a permanent presence advancing our shared vision for care at the end of life. It is estimated that 70 million Americans will need hospice and palliative care services in the next 20 years, so what we do matters. As our nation grapples with challenges of healthcare delivery and costs, the need for us to strategically advocate for the dying has never been greater.

This Campaign will help ensure that we have a permanent home where skilled professionals can come together to accomplish the transformational work of care and compassion at the bedside.

The Cornerstone for Advancing Care and Compassion

The Washington-metropolitan area is a city of buildings that serve as “go to” destinations representing many organizations and causes. The National Center for Care at the End of Life will be the “go to” place dedicated to advancing and ensuring that high-quality care is available to everyone in need at life’s end.

I was moved by the enthusiasm that MLC attendees showed toward our Campaign. We have already finalized several naming opportunities for individuals and organizations that want to be a part of the National Center. If you or your colleagues need more information on how to be a part of the Campaign, visit the National Hospice Foundation website or contact the NHF team at 703-516-4928.

Providers, volunteers and supporters are all an important part of the hospice and palliative care community, and for that I am thankful.

I hope you’ll consider how you can become involved in supporting the National Center for Care at the End of Life.

Don's 2010 May Update

For more information visit, http://www.nhpco.org

The wait is over...

Are you waiting on your MLC Brochure?...

The wait is over - view the digital brochure today. In an effort to be "green," NHPCO printed a limited number of MLC brochures and mailed one to each hospice. Worried you won't be able to review the educational offerings? The digital brochure makes it easier than ever. Check it out today and make your plans to join the more than 950 people already registered for the MLC.

For more information visit, http://www.nhpco.org

24th Management and Leadership Conference

Healthcare Reform, Advocacy, FDA Session and More on Agenda at National Hospice Leadership Conference in DC

DeParle, Edwards, FDA, Capitol Hill Day all highlights of NHPCO Management and

Leadership Conference April 22-25

(Alexandria, Va) – Over 1,600 hospice and palliative leaders, industry experts, and providers will gather to discuss the importance of hospice and palliative care in the healthcare reform debate and carry the voice of the hospice and palliative care community to Capitol Hill.

Plenary speakers include White House health reform “czar” Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Elizabeth Edwards, Patrick Lencioni, and J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president/CEO. They will discuss the how quality end-of-life care is critical to the wellbeing of our nation’s healthcare landscape.

Hospice advocates will bring important messages about end-of-life care to Capitol Hill on Wednesday reminding legislators that hospice provides more care that costs less to dying Americans and their families.

The Food and Drug Administration will participate in a special listening session to discuss the impact of opioid availability. Hosted by NHPCO, AAHPM, CAPC, and HPNA, this session will allow participants to ask questions about the FDA’s plans regarding opioid production.

NHPCO’s Management and Leadership Conference will feature more than 80 concurrent workshops, awards, networking opportunities, and more. Highlights include:

• Hospice Capitol Hill Day – Wednesday, April 22, an all day event ending with a reception at the Capitol Visitor’s Center beginning at 5:00pm.


• Elizabeth Edwards – “Reforming Healthcare and Improving End-of-Life Care: Awakening Our National Conscience,” Thursday, April 23, 8:30am. Mrs. Edwards will also receive NHPCO’s Person of the Year Award.


• Special FDA Listening Session – to discuss opioid availability, Thursday, April 23, 12:15-1:15pm.


• Nancy-Ann Min DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Care Reform – to discuss health care reform and hospice/palliative care, Friday, April 24, 8:30am.


• Patrick Lencioni – “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” Friday, April 24, 9:00am.


• National Hospice Foundation Gala and Awards – “Bricks and Diamonds,”Friday, April 24, 6:30 – 11:00pm. Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Regency Ballroom.
  

Advocacy in Action: Mobilizing People and Organizations to Lead Change

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization24th Management and Leadership ConferenceApril 22-25, 2009Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC
Those interested in attending may register at the conference registration desk.

Credentialed members of the media are invited. To RSVP prior to conference, contact Jon Radulovic. During conference, please check in at conference registration desk. Additional conference info available at www.nhpco.org/MLC2009.

Contact:

Jon Radulovic, vice president communications

Ph: 703-837-3139

Cell: 571-259-5026

jradulovic@nhpco.org

For more information visit, http://www.nhpco.org

Elizabeth Edwards Opens NHPCO's 24th Management and Leadership Conference

Reforming Healthcare and Improving End-of-Life Care: Awakening Our National Conscience

Elizabeth Edwards is a strong and deeply committed advocate for improved and accessible healthcare. She was publicly introduced to America when her husband, then Vice-Presidential candidate John Edwards, was launched into the spotlight in 2004. But it was her down-to-earth personality that charmed America.

Living with Strength, Comfort and Dignity
Mrs. Edwards knows from firsthand experience the need for changes to the healthcare system that will improve access, quality, and – for those facing the end of life – comfort and dignity.
Her personal experience in coping with cancer, caring for aging and ill parents and her professional work in the legal and policy areas have made her a passionate proponent for change.
Strength for the Future from the Foundation of the Past
Mrs. Edwards stated: “It is a test of our characters, individually and communally, what we value and honor when facing the end of life. Individually we do well: hospice professionals, who are trained, do extraordinarily well and even those, like me, who stumble through, do as well as can be expected. Communally, particularly as a nation, we do less well. The regulatory limitations on reimbursement for hospice care under Medicare do not reflect our national will that the ends of life – and all our lives will end – be as comfortable and dignified as possible.”

At NHPCO's 24th Management and Leadership Conference, Mrs. Edwards will share her ideas, perspectives and passion for improving healthcare during the opening plenary session. She will encourage the hospice community to hold fast to the values that founded the modern hospice movement while challenging all to continue to be champions for those at the end of life.
Make plans today to attend the premier end-of-life leadership conference.

• Agenda at a Glance


• Online Registration


• Mail or Fax Registration


• Conference Website

Register today to experience this special plenary session and over 100 innovative sessions at the 24th MLC.

• Preconference Seminars: April 21-22, 2009


• Main Conference: April 23-25, 2009


• Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.

For more information visit, http://www.nhpco.org