FHPCA is grateful to our Patron members who help us provide great programming and events each year. The Patron Membership is designed for businesses engaged in the principal activities of hospice on the statewide level. This includes vendors of all types: consultants, agents, pharmaceutical companies and all organizations serving the end of life continuum. For more information on our Affiliate membership programs, CLICK HERE. Thank you, Patrons!
FHPCA is grateful to our Patron members who help us provide great programming and events each year. The Patron Membership is designed for businesses engaged in the principal activities of hospice on the statewide level. This includes vendors of all types: consultants, agents, pharmaceutical companies and all organizations serving the end of life continuum. For more information on our Affiliate membership programs, CLICK HERE. Thank you, Patrons!
Tallahassee, Fla., November 9, 2020 – On November 5, 2020 Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Marion, Sumter, and Lake Counties) was presented with the 2020 Hospice Champion Award at Hospice of Marion County in Ocala.
This award is bestowed upon Florida Legislators for outstanding support and advocacy for hospice care in Florida. “Senator Baxley has been and incredible advocate and provides insight and quiet leadership in matters related to hospice, for which we are very grateful,” said FHPCA President and CEO Ledford.
FHPCA continues to support hospice providers throughout Florida and publicly recognizes elected officials whose leadership paves the way to better care for all.
In the 2020 Session, Senator Baxley confidently presented FHPCA’s primary legislative initiative in several committees of reference and resolutely advocated for the issue among his peers. The legislation exempts health care practitioners from a requirement to have a conversation about ‘non-opioid alternatives’ with hospice patients, because the discussion is not appropriate for patients at the end-of-life and is likely to lead to confusion at a very difficult time.
Hospice of Marion County CEO Rick Bourne added, “I’m glad to have the privilege of presenting this much deserved award to Senator Baxley on behalf of FHPCA. We greatly appreciate him and his ongoing support to Hospice of Marion County’s mission to the community as well as Hospices throughout the State of Florida.”
Dennis Baxley is State Senator for District 12, which includes all of Sumter and parts of Marion and Lake Counties. Baxley’s commitment to serving his fellow Floridians helped him rise to the position of Speaker Pro Tem, the number two leadership position in the Florida House. His record of leadership continues in the Florida Senate, where he serves as Chair of the Ethics and Elections Committee.
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About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing Florida’s hospice programs. Established in 1982, FHPCA was formed to be a unified voice for hospice programs in Florida. For more information, visit www.floridahsopices.org.
About Hospice of Marion County
A not-for-profit locally operated hospice, HMC has provided compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families since 1983. Patients may receive services in their own home, assisted living facility, nursing home or in one of our three hospice houses. A comprehensive hospice model, HMC is the county’s third largest healthcare company and earned Deemed Status designation from the Joint Commission, the national gold standard for quality healthcare.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., November 3, 2020 – Governor Ron DeSantis has declared November as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Florida. 139,865 patients received hospice care throughout Florida in 2019, and a continual increase is expected in the years ahead. Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association is pleased to join hospice providers and supporters across the state in recognizing November as Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Florida. High quality care, education, and accessibility are hallmarks of hospice care in Florida as every eligible resident has a hospice services available to them. Hospice and Palliative Care Month in Florida highlights the quality and variety of services offered in every county across the state.
“The beliefs that, ‘Every day is a gift’ and ‘The days you have should be lived to the fullest’ are foundational to the valuable services available through your local hospice,” said Paul A. Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association. “When curative therapies are no longer helpful, it is appropriate for the plan of care to change focus to be about comfort and quality of life. This November, we want to raise awareness that hospices around Florida are here to help. It is very rewarding to see patients and families find the comfort and care they need, at the right place, and the right time.”
Read Governor DeSantis’ proclamation at http://bit.ly/2020FLHPM
Visit www.LetHospiceHelp.org to find basic facts and resources on what to expect from hospice providers as a patient and caregiver. The ‘Find a Provider’ feature allows users to locate end-of-life care programs in Florida.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) FHPCA is proud to announce Executive Officers and Committee Chairs for 2019. The Committee Chairs execute key strategic plan initiatives of FHPCA’s mission to ensure excellence and access to hospice care. The new 2019 Executive Committee members will continue to pursue these goals and serve Floridians and Hospice programs as strong advocates for the needs of those in the final phases of life.
Rana McClelland, MBA, is the Regional Program Director of Florida operations for Compassionate Care Hospice, a large national hospice and palliative care provider. She was previously Vice President of Palliative Medical Associates, a national palliative care provider and a division of hospice and palliative care services for patients in need. She is an acknowledged expert in the hospice and palliative care sectors whose many accomplishments include founding Compassionate Care Hospice’s Florida operations in 2010 and rapidly expanding to 3 programs in 6 counties by 2015. She serves on the board of the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA). A native of Huntsville, Alabama, she received her undergraduate degree at Auburn University and her MBA at Southeast University.
Jaysen Roa brings over 10 years of hospice leadership experience, having served as Executive Director at Good Shepherd Hospice, Inc. an affiliate of Chapters Health System, Inc. based in Lakeland, Florida. Roa also served in a variety of leadership roles at Hernando Pasco Hospice (HPH), Inc. and also worked at Hospice of Citrus County, Inc., both based in Florida. He currently serves as President & CEO for Avow.
Gayle Mattson currently serves as president of Haven, a non-profit organization and affiliate of SantaFe HealthCare serving the hospice and advanced illness needs of over 800 Floridians each day across 18 North Central Florida counties. With decades of executive experience in clinical and health care delivery operations including hospital, home health, hospice, geriatrics and palliative care, Mattson has seen the need for expanded access to quality programs and services for advanced illness and end-of-life care. A Minnesota native, Mattson earned a bachelor of science in nursing at St. Olaf College and an Executive Masters in Healthcare Administration at the University of Minnesota. Mattson was awarded the 2014 Minnesota Women in Health Care Leadership Award.
Pauline Taylor is currently the Executive Director and Administrator at AdventHealth Hospice Care Central Florida (formerly Hospice of the Comforter). She holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration and is a Registered Nurse. She has worked in the hospice field since 1998 and has held positions in nursing, sales, and business development and operational leadership. Pauline maintains Advanced Certified Hospice Executive certification administered by the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH). The accreditation demonstrates advanced competencies for strategic positioning, financial management, and legal compliance issues. In 2014, while serving as VP of Business Development at Hospice of St. Francis, FHPCA awarded Pauline with The Catalyst Award which recognizes an individual in any role within an organization who has consistently demonstrated leadership in forging the collaboration that makes hospice unique. Pauline previously served on the FHPCA Executive Committee as the Quality Chair and Forum Chair.
Cathy has been with Gentiva Health Services for over 19 years, and has been the Area Vice President of Operations – Hospice for over 6 years. A nurse by trade, Cathy also has extensive experience managing the overall operations of both Hospice and Home Health, including developing budgets and managing Agencies profitably. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina.
Peggy has more than 35 years of experience in hospice management and nursing. She joined VITAS in 1983 as a registered nurse in the Broward County, Florida, program and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a nurse, team manager, patient care administrator, and general manager.
In the mid-1990s, Peggy served as vice president for all VITAS hospice programs in California before moving to Miami in 1998 as the company’s first vice president for patient & family services. Peggy is a longtime member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and serves as co-chair of its Membership Committee. She also is a Board member of the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, and was recently named to the Board of Community Home Accreditation Program (CHAP). Peggy also acts as a hospice expert advisor to the Joint Commission, and has worked in the past with the NHPCO Regulatory sub-committee. Peggy is a Certified Healthcare Compliance Professional.
Susan began her career with Community Hospice (then known as Hospice of Northeast Florida) as a volunteer clinical social worker for the nonprofits new St. Augustine office in 1985, having just earned a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. She became the organization’s first staff social worker in 1986.
She became Executive Director in 1988 and was named president and CEO of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida in April 1991. During her tenure, Community Hospice has grown from serving 60 patients a day with a staff of 35 to an organization of approximately 850 full- and part-time staff serving approximately 1,200 patients each day.
In addition to serving as president of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine from 1993-94, Susan has served on the Board of Directors of United Way of St. Johns County; the Advisory Board of the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board; the Trustees of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; and the Jacksonville Women’s Network.
David C. Fielding joined Hospice of Palm Beach County as President and Chief Executive Officer in December 1998. Under Mr. Fielding’s leadership, Hospice of Palm Beach County has grown from caring for approximately 200 patients on a daily basis to more than 2000 patients on a daily basis, branching out to bring the organization into Broward County and merging with Hospice by the Sea, forming a new parent company, Trustbridge, which includes Hospice of Palm Beach County, Hospice by the Sea, FocusCare and Harbor Palliative Care.
For more information about FHPCA, please visit www.floridahospices.org
OCALA, Fla., Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — On October 11, in conjunction with Hospice of Marion County’s “Uptown Hoedown” Gala and fundraiser, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association presented Rep. Charlie Stone (R), Ocala, with a “2018 Hospice Champion Award.”
Rep. Charlie Stone (FL-22nd District) received the Hospice Champion award from Paul A. Ledford, President and CEO, Florida Hospices & Palliative Care Association. Hospice of Marion County CEO Mary Ellen Poe joined in the presentation at the Uptown Hoedown gala fundraiser event in Ocala on October 18, 2018.
The event took place in Marion County’s Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. FHPCA President and CEO, Paul A. Ledford, recognized Rep. Stone’s role as a strong advocate for hospice and palliative care during the 2018 Legislative Session. He told the crowd, “When Rep. Stone was presenting the FHPCA Palliative Care bill this session, members from both sides of the aisle spoke about his reputation and character, and given the partisan environment at the Capitol, that is certainly high recognition.”
During the 2018 Legislative Session, Stone sponsored FHPCA’s Palliative Care bill and worked to support Hospice Certificate of Need (CON) in Florida.
Hospice of Marion County CEO, Mary Ellen Poe, expressed her gratitude to both Charlie and Michelle Stone for their dedication to end-of-life care, and added, “His testimony in committee regarding the importance of Certificate of Need in the current hospice environment played a significant role in preserving CON. From his own personal experience with hospice care, Rep. Stone was an eloquent proponent of the benefits of the larger scope of care hospice can provide due to the CON.”
Rep. Charlie Stone has a long history of public service dating back to 2004, serving twice as Marion County Commission, Chair, 2004-2012.
“Charlie Stone comes to Tallahassee, and resolutely… SEE FULL RELEASE
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Governor Rick Scott has declared November as Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Last year, more than 137,351 patients received hospice care throughout Florida. Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association is pleased to join hospice providers across the state in recognizing November as Florida Hospice Month. In 2016, FHPCA launched the “Let Hospice Help” initiative to encourage Floridians to learn about hospice services and plan ahead for end-of-life medical care
“FHPCA launched the Let Hospice Help initiative to help the public understand the valuable services available to them through their local hospice,” said Paul A. Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association. “This November we want to raise awareness that hospices around Florida are here to help. It is very rewarding to see patients and families find the comfort and care they need.”
Click HERE to read Governor Rick Scott’s proclamation.
The LetHospiceHelp.org website provides basic facts on what to expect from hospice providers and helps consumers or family members understand the lesser-known benefits of hospice. The ‘Hospice Locator’ allows users to locate end-of-life care programs SEE FULL RELEASE…
(Left to Right) Chuck Lee, President & CEO of Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care; Paul Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association; Representative Travis Cummings (R), Orange Park; and Susan Ponder-Stansel, President & CEO of Community Hospice & Palliative Care.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 10, 2018, /PRNewswire/ — Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association presented Rep. Travis Cummings (R), Orange Park the “2018 Hospice Champion Award” on August 23rd.
The “Hospice Champion” Award is granted to those who display dedication to public service in assuring access to quality hospice care for Floridians and their loved ones.
Rep. Cummings currently serves as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and has a long-standing record of supporting hospice care. He was instrumental in helping pass SB 474 in 2017 that assures the public easy access to Hospice Quality Measures.
“It is fitting that Travis Cummings receive the Hospice Champion Award. Throughout his time in the Legislature, he has… [READ FULL PRESS RELEASE]
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Tallahassee, Fla.—During the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s (FHPCA) fourth quarter Board Meeting at Hilton Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Hope Healthcare President and CEO Samira K. Beckwith presented Senator Denise Grimsley with the Hospice Champion Award. FHPCA recognized Senator Grimsley’s role in serving as a champion for hospice and palliative issues during the 2017 Legislative Session. Senator Grimsley has over 10 years of public service. She is a registered nurse and also currently serves as a Hospital Administrator for Florida Hospital Wauchula and Lake Placid. She has served on the board for Good Shepherd Hospice.
During the 2017 regular session, she sponsored the Senate portion of FHPCA’s bill “An Act Related to Hospice” (SB 474). This bill was passed into law addressing quality measures, prescription drug disposal after a patient’s death, and obtaining records after death.
FHPCA’s President and CEO Paul Ledford said, “Throughout Senator Denise Grimsley’s distinguished career, she has been a strong advocate for a variety of policies that affect Floridians. FHPCA is thankful to work with Senator Grimsley to ensure the best possible hospice and palliative care is accessible to Floridians.”
Senator Denise Grimsley said, “I thank FHPCA for honoring me with the Hospice Champion award. I am passionate about healthcare and serving the people of our great state. This past legislative session gave me the opportunity to combine my experience in the nursing field with my role in public office to support the Hospice bill and to ensure Floridians receive the best hospice and palliative care possible.”
Senator Grimsley’s district (26) includes Hardee, Desoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, and parts of Polk, Charlotte, and Lee counties. The hospice programs serving those counties are Compassionate Care Hospice, Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, Chapters Health System, Good Shepherd Hospice, Hospice of Okeechobee, VITAS Healthcare, Tidewell, Treasure Health- TCH, VNA Hospice of Indian River County, and Hope Hospice Healthcare.
FHPCA’s board is comprised of 41 hospice executives representing their hospice organizations in Florida. The board strives to assure excellence in and expand access to hospice and palliative care and advocates for the needs of those in the final phases of life. The vision of FHPCA is to continue making Florida a model state for hospice and palliative care services.
November is Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Month
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association joins hospice organizations across the state to bring awareness of hospice and palliative care services. Last year, over 130,000 patients received hospice care in Florida. Throughout the month of November, FHPCA’s How We Care campaign will help Floridians understand the importance of end-of-life care and the support available when facing a life-limiting illness.
“Florida has 46 hospice providers and these programs are committed to providing high-quality of care to patients and families,” said Paul Ledford, President and CEO of Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “This November, FHPCA’s How We Care statewide campaign will continue raising awareness on the importance of end-of-life care and how your local hospice will work to meet your unique healthcare needs.”
The hospice organizations across the state of Florida provide physical, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families.
Click HERE to read Governor Rick Scott’s proclamation.
FHPCA will be using the following hashtags in November to engage Floridians in end-of-life discussions and provide answers:
#HowWeCare #HospiceMonth #HospiceAwareness
Join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: @LetHospiceHelp
Twitter: @LetHospiceHelp
More information about hospice and palliative care is available from FHPCA by visiting LetHospiceHelp.org.
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About Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association: FHPCA is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization representing Florida’s hospice programs. The mission of FHPCA is to assure excellence and access to hospice care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life.
About Let Hospice Help: Let Hospice Help is an initiative by the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association aimed at helping increase public awareness of hospice care in Florida. No obligations, just answers.
Tallahassee, FL. – Today Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) President and CEO Paul Ledford made the following statement regarding Hurricane Irma and emergency preparedness efforts:
FHPCA President and CEO Paul Ledford said, “Floridians are carefully watching the hurricane projections to ascertain the path of Hurricane Irma, and are busy getting prepared for a worse-case scenario. If you are a hospice patient or the caregiver of a hospice patient, please know that all Florida hospice programs have sophisticated emergency management plans to maximize the safety and care of their patients, and mitigate the impact of unavoidable service interruptions brought about by a natural disaster like a hurricane. Hospice programs have tested these emergency plans in table-top modeling, and by practical implementation in simulated scenarios.
“If you are a hospice patient or a caregiver in the path of the storm and are uncertain of the plan, please contact your hospice care team leader ASAP. If you are going to relocate a hospice patient, please communicate those intentions to the hospice program, so precious resources are not unnecessarily allocated to finding a temporarily relocated patient in the aftermath of the storm. Communication and information are vital to making the best of a potentially very difficult situation.”
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association has published a Hurricane Preparedness Guide for use by hospice patients and caregivers. Please find that guide HERE.
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About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association:
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.
2000 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Telephone: 850-878-2632
Hospice Helpline: 800-282-6560
Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, during the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s (FHPCA) third quarter Board Meeting & Retreat at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Legislative Aide Karen Sweeney accepted the Hospice Champion Award on behalf of Florida Representative Gayle Harrell. FHPCA recognized Representative Harrell’s role in serving as a champion for hospice and palliative issues during the 2017 Legislative Session. Representative Harrell has over 16 years of public service and over 28 years of experience in healthcare. She served on the Treasure Coast Hospice Board, now known as Treasure Health.
During the 2017 regular session, she sponsored FHPCA’s bill “An Act Related to Hospice” (HB 539). The bill was passed into law and addresses quality measures, prescription drug disposal after a patient’s death, and obtaining records after death.
FHPCA’s President and CEO Paul Ledford said, “We are very appreciative to Representative Gayle Harrell for serving as a champion for hospice and palliative care. With her support and partnership this past legislative session, Florida hospices can continue to provide better care for terminally ill patients and their loved ones.”
Representative Gayle Harrell said, “I thank FHPCA for honoring me with the Hospice Champion award. Healthcare is very important to Floridians in my district and across Florida, and hospice plays a critical role in caring for a significant portion of Florida’s population. It is great to work with FHPCA and support issues the community cares about.”
Representative Harrell’s district (83) includes parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties. The hospice programs serving those counties are Hospice of Okeechobee and Treasure Health.
FHPCA’s board is comprised of 41 hospice executives representing their hospice organizations in Florida. The board strives to assure excellence in and expand access to hospice and palliative care and advocates for the needs of those in the final phases of life. The vision of FHPCA is to continue making Florida a model state for hospice and palliative care services.
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About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association
FHPCA is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.For more information, please visitwww.LetHospiceHelp.org and https://www.floridahospices.org/. Follow FHPCA on Twitter at @FlHospicesPC and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloridaHospices.
Trailblazer Award Recognizes Outstanding Achievement of a State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Alexandria, VA, July 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association received the Trailblazer Award from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at its annual Council of States meeting held in Washington, DC on July 19. The NHPCO Trailblazer Award recognizes state organizations demonstrating high levels of excellence, innovation and leadership that expand access to hospice and palliative care, promote quality, and increase awareness.
In 2014, FHPCA established a Research & Development committee of its board, comprised of board members, hospice program staff, interested affiliate members, and association staff. During the fall of 2015, the committee decided to offer grants to member programs that would support research projects reflecting key goals of the organization. The first grant award was made in spring of 2016 and FHPCA reports positive findings from this initial grant funded project. These efforts will continue to strengthen the partnership with hospice providers in Florida and engage affiliate members across the country.
“FHPCA members have long-conducted research to improve quality and access, so our grant program is intended to create a culture of sharing that research through the state. We are pleased our efforts have been successful and that other providers will benefit from the research projects we’ve been able to support,” said Paul Ledford, president and CEO of FHPCA, at the award presentation.
Said Edo Banach, NHPCO president and CEO, “NHPCO is proud to work strong state-level hospice and palliative care organizations that do such important work to advance and advocate for quality care and the example of FHPCA’s grant funding to expand the impact of research is to be applauded.”
FHPCA has a new goal to increase the number of grants awarded by 300 percent in the next three years.
Established in 1982, FHPCA was formed to be a unified voice for hospice programs in Florida. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life. Learn more at www.floridahospices.org.
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association announced the recipient of FHPCA’s research support grant, Opus Care of South Florida. This research project will seek to understand the key factors that influence end-of-life decisions in the Hispanic community including beliefs and cultural tendencies, insurance utilization, and referral rates by healthcare professionals. “We are proud to award this research grant to OpusCare of South Florida,” said Paul Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “The changing demographics of the state present an opportunity for our hospice programs to provide compassionate and palliative care to patients from different walks of life. FHPCA is excited to invest in OpusCare’s research project and help change the perception of hospice care in the Hispanic community.”
Hispanics make up 23% of the population in Florida – with Miami-Dade and Broward counties as the epicenter of this community. The participation rate for this culture in hospice care has been historically low. OpusCare plans to identify the factors that lead to general underutilization and hesitancy toward hospice care by Hispanics, with the hopes of better meeting the needs of Hispanic patients and becoming a trusted partner in the community.
“We are very excited and grateful to the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association and the FHPCA Research & Development Committee, for awarding OpusCare of South Florida a grant on our Research Application,” said Dr. Ismael Roque-Velasco, President & Chief Executive Officer of OpusCare of South Florida. “The research topic will be “Hospice Education and Early Utilization Among Hispanics. The outcomes of this research will be a great benefit for achieving a better understanding among Hispanics of the criteria for program qualification, services provided, developing educational tools and understanding the expectations of patients and families concerning palliative and hospice care services. Again, we thank the Association for utilizing the research among our affiliates and for the innovative ways of approaching education and community outreach within the communities we serve.”
The results of the year-long research project will be included in a final report made available by July 2018.
FHPCA awards grants to support the research of member programs. The association encourages clinical or operational project submissions that will add to the body of knowledge for hospice and palliative care. To stay up to date on the next application cycle, please visit FHPCA’s website at www.floridahospices.org.
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About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association:
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.
About OpusCare of South Florida:
OpusCare of South Florida is a nonprofit organization serving the Miami Dade county community since 1991. They are dedicated to providing patients and their families excellence in palliative care and support services when faced with a terminal illness. OpusCare provides a customized individual program where “Dignity Care” is their number one priority.
Orlando, FL. – Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announced the recipients of the Awards of Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Care at this year’s Forum. The Awards of Excellence program provides a venue for hospice professionals to honor their peers and highlight the very best hospice has to offer.
FHPCA President & CEO Paul Ledford said, “We are honored to be able to present these hospice providers and professionals with the Awards of Excellence for their dedication to hospice and palliative care in Florida. Working in hospice is both challenging and rewarding, and these award recipients go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and families in this state.”
2017 Awards of Excellence Recipients:
The Catalyst Award: Susan Finkelstein – Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
The Hospice Story Award: “The Outback” – Treasure Coast Hospice
Excellence in Program Innovation – Community Outreach: “Traditions” – Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
Excellence in Program Innovation – Clinical Practice: “7-Day RN Case Management Revolution” – Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care
The Breakthrough Award: Thomas A. Dalton – VITAS Healthcare
The Synergy Award: “Clinical and HR Servant Leadership Team” – Hospice of the Comforter
About the Awards & The Winners:
The Catalyst Award recognizes an individual in any role within an organization who has consistently demonstrated leadership in forging the collaboration that makes hospice unique. This individual seeks excellence not only in his/her field, but also in cooperation with other disciplines. This individual fosters collaboration and brings teams together to the betterment of his/her organization.
The Catalyst Award Winner:
Susan Finkelstein
Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
Susan Finkelstein is Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health’s Pediatric Services Manager and a nationally-known subject matter expert for pediatric hospice and palliative care. She has created pediatric competencies and collaborated with team leadership to ensure staff providing care to pediatric patients have received training and been evaluated against best practice core competencies. Recently, a mother received a diagnosis for her unborn child that is typically incompatible with life and Susan stepped in to help the family. The mother’s healthcare provider referred her to Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health’s perinatal loss program so they could provide her with counseling support and birthing assistance. Eventually the baby was born and named Veronica and lived after birth. Susan’s team quickly admitted Veronica into Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health’s pediatric hospice program. In a further show of advocacy for this family, Susan worked with the state attorney and public defender so that Veronica’s mother could be released from jail on her own recognizance and spend time with Veronica before Veronica’s death. Susan’s efforts have resulted in numerous internal departments within Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health embracing and supporting care of pediatric patients.
The Hospice Story Award is given to the person or organization that best captures his or her most meaningful hospice experience with an original creative work. The award recognizes an individual in any role within a hospice organization who most creatively and effectively conveys what their hospice experience means to them. The story can be told from any viewpoint, be it spiritual, humorous, sensitive, reflective, inspiring, challenging, etc., and may use a variety of creative mediums. The award recognizes that the work of hospice is transformative and purposeful; changing not only those we serve but also those who serve.
The Hospice Story Award Winner:
“The Outback”
Treasure Coast Hospice
“The Outback” is a short film created and produced by Treasure Coast Hospice on the life of Dylan Picariello – who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 31Ž2. Although Dylan is currently cancer free, he is a quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. The short film shares that Dylan was admitted to the Little Treasures Hospice Program after becoming more lethargic and beginning to suffer lapses in memory and concentration. With the help of his therapist and a team volunteer, Dylan began producing paintings by holding his paintbrush in his mouth. To demonstrate his creativity and express his appreciation for the support provided by the team, Dylan decided that he wanted to donate one of his paintings to a community fundraiser that supports the Little Treasures program. Dylan worked diligently on his painting, which became more challenging as he became weaker and more lethargic. Working almost to the day of the event, Dylan created a beautiful landscape painting that he titled “The Outback.” Dylan’s hospice experience encouraged him to create and paint. He has completed nearly 20 paintings in the past two years.
The Excellence in Program Innovation Award recognizes services and programs provided by a hospice organization that demonstrate the power of creativity and ingenuity to impact the practice and the community. Highlighting innovative services and programs through the Excellence in Program Innovation Award not only rewards the accomplishments of hospice programs, but also challenges others to adapt inspirational ideas to their own programs and communities. Sharing and celebrating creative care establishes “best practices” that propel all of us forward.
The Excellence in Program Innovation – Community Outreach Award Winner:
“Traditions”
Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
The “Traditions” program was created by Suncoast Hospice, a member of Empath Health, to increase the access to hospice services to underserved communities in their area, specifically African American, Hispanic, and Jewish communities, all of whom have historically underutilized hospice services. Suncoast utilized their Community Partnership Specialists to build relationships and establish trust with community leaders, faith based organizations and various community groups. It was essential to bring various voices to the conversations in an effort to create presentations that were relevant to the needs of the community and addressed their perceptions about hospice care. Each Community Partnership Specialist was responsible for listening, creating, and ultimately implementing unique outreach strategies to each community. “Traditions” identifies the customary values of each community and uses it as a foundation to deliver effective outreach resulting in increased access to hospice services and the provision of culture-specific end-of-life care.
About the Excellence in Program Innovation – Clinical Practice Award Winner:
“7-Day RN Case Management Revolution”
Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care
Led by Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care Chief Operating Officer Rhonda White, Cornerstone’s leadership team agreed to provide patients in-home access to two primary-assigned registered nurses (RNs), 7 days a week, extending into early evening hours. This plan revolutionized Cornerstone’s RN support model, resulting in better consistency, enhanced quality of care, and higher patient/family and Care Partner satisfaction. Cornerstone’s 7-day extended RN case management model focuses on three key areas: Patient/family satisfaction, operational quality and employee morale. The second “set of RN eyes” improved the adjustment of care.
The Breakthrough Awardrecognizes an individual or team who, through their efforts to research and implement new ideas, has improved hospice care. Whether piloting a new program, streamlining a process or discovering a better way to provide a service, the recipient of this award advances the mission of hospice and provides a path for others to follow.
The Breakthrough Award Winner:
Thomas A. Dalton, LMHC, MT-BC
VITAS Healthcare
Thomas A. Dalton has been in the field of music therapy for over 20 years and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. He is a full-time employee of VITAS Healthcare in the Broward program and serves as the Senior Music Therapy and Music Therapy Internship Director. Thomas researched and developed the use of the Music Therapy and MIDI Protocol (MTMP) with hospice patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The inspiration for this project was based on Thomas’ work with COPD patients including working with his mother who is also struggling with COPD. The purpose of the study was to improve respiratory symptoms, well-being and quality of life for patients in physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual domains.
The Synergy Awardrecognizes a group of people in any role or configuration that has consistently demonstrated the ideals of collaboration and teamwork in working toward a goal or mission. This group not only seeks excellence within itself, but also inspires excellence and collaboration throughout the hospice environment.
The Synergy Award Winner:
“Clinical and HR Servant Leadership Team”
Hospice of the Comforter
The clinical and HR management teams at Hospice of the Comforter determined that listening to staff’s concerns and ideas would be a focal consideration in managing change. The clinical and HR leaders decided to structure their action plan based on the Gallup employee engagement survey. Specific challenges that were identified and addressed included a need for workplace changes that would improve the clinical staff’s ability to do their work; a need for consistent, transparent communications; and a need for consistent efforts to demonstrate appreciation of the staff. When the team evaluated the effectiveness of their efforts, they discovered that their scores on the Gallup Engagement Survey had improved by 14 percent.
For more information about the Awards of Excellence Program, to see past winners and to find out more about submitting a nomination in 2018, please visit www.floridahospices.org/forum. To learn more about hospice, palliative care, visit lethospicehelp.org.
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About the Awards of Excellence Selection Process:
Nominations are judged by a selection committee composed of leaders within the hospice industry. The selection committee considered the examples provided and specific details that demonstrated how nominees have exceeded expectations and, by their actions, made those around them better. Nominees do not compete against each other; rather they are judged individually against a high standard of excellence and innovation.
About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association:
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.
2000 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Telephone: 850.878.2632
Hospice Helpline: 800.282.6560
Photos:
The Catalyst Award: Susan Finkelstein – Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health Pediatric Services Manager Susan Finkelstein
The Hospice Story Award: “The Outback” – Treasure Coast Hospice
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
Treasure Coast Hospice Pediatric Music Therapist Jessica Sturgeon
Excellence in Program Innovation – Community Outreach: “Traditions” – Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
Suncoast Hospice, Karen Davis-Pritchett
Suncoast Hospice Team
Excellence in Program Innovation – Clinical Practice: “7-Day RN Case Management Revolution” – Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care Association Chief Operating Officer Rhonda White
The Breakthrough Award: Thomas A. Dalton – VITAS Healthcare
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
VITAS Healthcare, Thomas Dalton
The Synergy Award: “Clinical and HR Servant Leadership Team” – Hospice of the Comforter
Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association President and CEO Paul Ledford
Hospice of the Comforter, Annette Carter
Hospice of the Comforter, Jennifer Kane
At Risk Registry, Craig Long
***To view photos, please visit the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zataxr3sre9vrh2/AAC1jfHz57Yn4FqcwcTRo19pa?dl=0
Orlando, Fla.—Today, during the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association’s (FHPCA) quarterly Board Meeting in Orlando, the Board presented Liz Dudek with the Outstanding Public Service Award in recognition of decades of dedicated public service and her commitment to assuring the highest quality of hospice care for Florida residents. Dudek served as the Secretary for the Agency of Health Care Administration from 2010 through 2016 and held a number of other senior management positions at the agency since it was created in 1992. Dudek currently serves as Director of Healthcare Affairs in the Tallahassee office of the Greenberg Traurig law firm.
FHPCA’s President and CEO Paul Ledford said, “During her decades of public service at AHCA, Liz Dudek has always been an accessible and candid partner to FHPCA and the hospice providers in Florida. During that period, in each regulatory role Liz held, she matched stride with Florida’s hospice providers and played a key role in contributing to what has long been the state with the most comprehensive hospice services offered in the nation.”
FHPCA presents the Outstanding Public Service Award to former public officials who demonstrated excellence in their previous public service roles and contributed to the betterment of hospice care in Florida.
Liz Dudek said, “I sincerely thank the FHPCA for honoring me with this award. In my years as a public servant, the FHPCA and hospice providers were important partners in promoting the highest standards for the industry and were very involved in helping to develop strong regulations, rules and laws to govern the industry. I commend the FHPCA for continuing to help ensure that Florida’s hospice services remain a model for the rest of the nation.”
Following today’s quarterly Board Meeting, FHPCA will hold its 32nd annual conference, Forum 2017: Hospice Keys, on Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26 also in Orlando at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. The annual conference is designed to help hospice clinical professionals unlock the key fundamental practices for providing excellent end of life care.
FHPCA, whose board is comprised of the executives of 41 hospice organizations in Florida, strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life. The vision of the FHPCA is to make Florida the model state for hospice and palliative care services.
Dr. Amy Hardie is a internationally award winning documentary film director whose latest film Seven Songs for a Long Life, follows five patients in a large Scottish hospice. For those attending this year’s Forum, she will be giving a behind the scenes look into the making of the documentary along with a special screening.
As Head of Research in the Scottish Documentary Institute, she specializes in close collaborative work with research scientists and health professionals. Dr. Hardie directed and produced six films with the Centre for regenerative medicine, including Stem Cell Revolutions, funded by the Wellcome Trust. Features and reviews on Amy Hardie as director appear in over 100 journals, papers, blogs, websites in over 20 countries. She has 14 international awards. Her films have been screened in over 60 international film festivals and translated into 14 languages.
You can register for Forum here and learn more about the movie on its official website.
Today, FHPCA’s House Bill 539- “An Act Relating to Hospices” passed the Florida House Health Innovation Subcommittee. This bill addresses quality measures, prescription drug disposal after a patient’s death, and palliative care services to non-hospice, seriously ill patients.
Here’s the moment the bill passed:
Learn more information about FHPCA’s 2017 Legislative Advocacy (HERE)
Our Forum Website is now live and you can register for your spot at FHPCA’s Annual Forum!
Whether you are a seasoned hospice professional or have just begun your career in hospice, having a solid foundation is key to your success.
Social workers, chaplains, physicians, nurses, aides and anyone who works in end of life care is invited to join us for the 32nd annual FHPCA Forum to unlock the key fundamental practices that equip all hospice professionals for providing excellent end of life care.
You can book your hotel at the Hyatt Grand Regency here.
Take a sneak peek at our Agenda
Or
Just Register right away here!
For more information, you can visit our Forum Website.
“Let Hospice Help” initiative increases public awareness of hospice care in Florida
Tallahassee, FL –Governor Rick Scott has declared November as Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Last year, over 126,000 patients received hospice care in Florida. Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association is pleased to join hospice organizations across the state in recognizing November as Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Month. FHPCA’s Let Hospice Help initiative encourages Floridians to learn about hospice services and plan ahead for medical care.
“FHPCA launched the Let Hospice Help initiative to help the public understand the valuable services available to them through their local hospice,” said Paul Ledford, President and CEO of Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “This November we want to raise awareness that hospices around Florida are here to help. There is nothing more rewarding than to see patients and families find the comfort and care they need.”
Click HERE to read Governor Rick Scott’s proclamation.
The Let Hospice Help campaign aims to give the basics of what a patient or a family member needs to know about hospice, but also to highlight some of the lesser known benefits of hospice care, such as grief and bereavement support.
FHPCA will be using the following hashtags in November to engage Floridians in end-of-life discussions and provide answers:
#HospiceMonth
#LetHospiceHelp
#IHelpHospice
More information about hospice and palliative care is available from FHPCA on social media via @LetHospiceHelp or by visiting LetHospiceHelp.org.
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About Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association: FHPCA is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization representing Florida’s hospice programs. The mission of FHPCA is to assure excellence and access to hospice care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life.
About Let Hospice Help: Let Hospice Help is an initiative by the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association aimed at helping increase public awareness of hospice care in Florida. No obligations, just answers.
FHPCA Awards Grant to Strengthen Advance Care Planning in the Jewish Community
One-Year Grant Will Help Suncoast Hospice Expand Outreach Efforts
Tallahassee, FL –Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association announced the recipient of the first FHPCA research support grant, Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health in Pinellas County. This research project will increase engagement and participation in Advance Care Planning by members of the Jewish Community.
“We are proud to award this research grant to Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health,” said Paul Ledford, President & CEO of Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association. “Advance Care Planning is a critical tool to help Floridians receive the care they prefer when they need it. FHPCA is eager to invest in programs that not only serve a local population, but also help all Florida hospices to better meet the needs of their communities. This grant will expand Suncoast’s outreach efforts with the Jewish Community and support an important dialogue on the importance of planning ahead for medical care.”
National statistics show members of the Jewish community have low participation in Advance Care Planning. Using community focus groups, Suncoast plans to identify barriers to Advance Care Planning and address the end of life needs and priorities of the second largest Jewish population in Florida.
“Finding new, meaningful ways to engage with our communities is extremely important to Empath Health and our integrated network of care,” said Rafael Sciullo, President and CEO of Empath Health. “We aim to provide the best care and service possible and are very excited about receiving this grant to help us engage specifically with our Jewish community.”
The results of the year-long research project will be included in a final report made available by December 1, 2017.
FHPCA awards grants to support the research of member programs. The association encourages clinical or operational project submissions that will add to the body of knowledge for hospice and palliative care. To stay up to date on the next application cycle, please visit FHPCA’s website at http://www.floridahospices.org.
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Media Contact: Evelyn Hernandez, Marketing & PR Specialist
evelyn@nullfloridahospices.org | 850-878-2632
About Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association:
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is a not-for-profit, IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization representing hospice patients and families, hospice professionals and hospice providers. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocates for the needs of those in the final stages of life.
About Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health:
Suncoast Hospice is a not-for-profit organization committed to serving those living with chronic and terminal illnesses, nearing the end of life, or experiencing grief. Suncoast Hospice cares for patients and helps to guide their families as they provide care and make decisions.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and FHPCA wants to remind women everywhere to get tested early. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 40 get an annual mammogram and a clinical physical examination. For more information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.
If you have lost a loved one and would like to speak to someone, contact your local hospice program. Hospice offers community support groups, sometimes specific to diseases like canc
er, that are free and open to the public. Your loved one did not have to receive hospice care in order to attend these support groups. Find your local hospice by visiting our Find-a-Provider page.
Also see: Breast Cancer Facts & Figures
In a span of a month, two hurricanes have battered Florida’s coast. Recently, Hurricane Matthew left the Northeast Coast with damaged homes, fallen trees, dangerous flooding, and power outages. Severe weather can come to our doorstep at anytime and that’s why Floridians must prepare –including hospice programs around the state.
Forty-five hospice programs currently serve the state of Florida and each program has had an Emergency Preparedness Plan in place since the 1990s. Hospice programs serve over 127,800 patients in Florida each year.
At Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, staff worked together to safely evacuate their patients, family members, and pets.
“We made sure that each of our approximately 1,200 patients had a plan for their care during and after the storm; enough medicine, medical equipment, and other needed supplies to get them through that period of time,” explained Susan Ponder-Stansel, President and CEO of Community Hospice.
She went on to say, “Our plan worked. The care to our patients and support for their needs did not falter during the storm. The reason we were able to do so well is because of the dedication, professionalism, and tireless work of our staff.”
Another program affected by Hurricane Matthew was Cornerstone Hospice. Leadership at Cornerstone operated from an abundance of caution, remembering that Polk County was hit by three hurricanes in 2004.
Rhonda White, Cornerstone Hospice Chief Operations Officer shared, “We activated our plan a little earlier than normal. We contacted all of our patients, educated them on what was going on in case they weren’t watching the news. We made sure that they had a certain amount of medication and supplies on hand so we didn’t have delivery issues.”
Due to the unpredictable nature of the storm and challenges of navigating curfews set by local officials, safety was a top priority. Some of the programs, like Cornerstone Hospice, cover multiple counties where the watches and warnings were different.
As storms begin to approach the state it’s important to maintain constant communication with patients to verify medications and ensure they evacuate safely. Part of a hospice program’s preparedness plan is the ‘Tuck in Process’, which ensures patients have seven days worth of medication, evacuation plans, alternative power for any medical equipment and assistance to a special needs shelter.
The goal is to make sure each patient has a plan and is safe.
Rhonda White’s team used this process during Hurricane Matthew, “We really wanted to verify medications in the home – how much, how many supplies, those kinds of things. Did they understand how to use their oxygen tanks because that is confusing if you’re not used to transferring over to a tank.”
After the storm, there was a feeling of relief because hospice patients and programs did not suffer any catastrophic impact and staff returned to regular operation this week.
You can’t wait to develop a plan. Being in the midst of a serious weather event demands a concrete emergency plan to be in place. Some hospice patients are cared for at an in-patient facility, but the majority are cared for in homes. For hospices, service areas may cross several counties and requires not only a high level of preparedness but also organization.
The care and safety of patients is always a top priority – even during a severe storm.
To learn more about hospice programs in Florida, check out LetHospiceHelp.org or call the hospice helpline at 800-282-6560.
The daily work of a hospice nurse, who treats the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of people at the most vulnerable point of their lives.
The attacks that occurred in Orlando this past weekend brought a sense of hopelessness and deep sorrow to communities across Florida. How can people deal with grief during this difficult time? At the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association, we want people to know they can turn to our hospice providers for bereavement support. In a recent interview, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida explains the help grief programs provide to those individuals impacted by the tragedy in Orlando.
Click here for to watch the full story on Community Hospice of Northeast Florida’s Grief Counseling.