Brian Logue was first introduced to hospice care when the wife of his friend fell ill. Impressed and inspired by the care she received in her last months under Treasure Coast Hospice, he began his selfless quest to become a patient volunteer. Now serving in that capacity, Brian describes the great privilege he feels, “To be with somebody at the end of their life and be able to help them in some way when you know they probably wouldn’t ask or couldn’t ask… I can’t even explain the feeling.”
This award winning video portrays both the challenges and rewards of hospice volunteering. It presents surprising revelations for those who might want to help but fear what it might require, and reveals potential volunteer opportunities many might not expect. Brian describes his volunteering as, “The best thing I’ve ever done with my spare time”.
Brian’s story and dedication to hospice volunteering makes him a deserving winner of the Hospice Story Award.
2015 Awards of Excellence winner, Brian Logue from Treasure Coast Hospice. A touching and educational film titled, “Volunteer Story”.
About this Award:
The Hospice Story Award aims recognize a person or organization that best captures his or her most meaningful hospice experience with an original or creative work. See all of the 2015 Awards of Excellence winners by CLICKING HERE
Attendees at our 2015 clinical conference, “Painting the Picture: Messaging Metrics & Mission,” had a unique opportunity to witness artists such as poets, dancers, and painters perform their crafts during the “The Art of Grief” Live Art Showcase. One of those artists was a painter name Jacob J. Neagle, who with his canvas, oil paints, and easel painted a stunning piece of art in front of the live audience.
After the showcase ended, Neagle’s painting was revealed at the Cocktail Social Hour, held directly after the event.
The finished painting, titled Brother At Rest, was of a large tree, in a beautiful field full of grass and a young man in the middle. Neagle recounted that his inspiration behind the painting was his brother Joshua, who last October at the age of 29, passed from brain cancer. In his final weeks, Neagle was able to live beside his brother and experience firsthand the compassion and care of hospice.
Not wanting to keep this inspiring piece of art to ourselves, we began an Art Roadshow and sent Brother At Rest on a road trip to hospice providers around the state. Hospices hosting the art will display the painting in various places such as their administrative office, inpatient or residential unit. Art is powerful and motivates us to look deep inside ourselves. We hope that Brother At Rest helps hospice providers connect to the tremendous work they do everyday.
Where is it Now?
Treasure Coast Hospice kicked off the Art Roadshow by housing the painting in their facility. Now, Brother At Rest has made its way to Hospice of St. Francis where it will stay for two weeks.
Treasure Coast Hospice staff holding Brother At Rest
This year’s Forum attendees enjoyed a free copy of HospiScript’s Palliative Care Consultant Book. Now everyone can enjoy this comprehensive palliative care guide for 25% off the $69.99 ticket price.
Use discount code 3H2XGAEZ – Discount expires 12/9/15
ABOUT THE BOOK: This palliative care guide provides practical recommendations for palliative symptom management in adult patients, with the aim to equip all practitioners who care for patients with life limiting conditions.
This guide is both a resource for support of current practice and a quick reference guide. For educators and novice practitioners, this book may be used as a training guide to address the basics of hospice and palliative care and assist learners in developing a comprehensive plan for symptom management.
Orlando, FL. – On May 21st, in conjunction with the 30th Annual Forum “Painting the Picture: Messaging Metrics & Mission”, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announced the 2015 winners of the annual Awards of Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Care.
The Awards of Excellence program was created to identify, recognize and showcase the outstanding and innovative work of individual staff members and hospice programs throughout the state of Florida. This award program aims to provide a venue for hospice professionals to honor their peers and highlight the very best hospice has to offer. FHPCA is pleased to announce the 2015 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.
Pam Mezzina has worked with the bereaved, including bereaved children, since 1995 at Big Bend Hospice (BBH). She currently serves as the BBH Bereavement services Manager. The BBH bereavement services department provided services to 3,165 bereaved individuals in 2013. She helped develop the Big Bend Hospice Caring Tree program, a unique bereavement model for children and adolescents. In 2009 Mrs. Mezzina founded the Trauma Grief & Loss Coalition (TGLC) for youth. This coalition now involves at least 20 agencies which meet at coalition meetings quarterly. At each meeting a venue for ongoing dialogue is provided and participants share current best practices and are given opportunities to debrief following recent challenges. Pam embodies the ideal of excellent teamwork; she understands that no one person or agency can effect great change alone. She seeks to better our community through strong and lasting partnerships, both internally and externally.
Care Volunteer Program, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative CareThe 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.
Spiritual Care Volunteer Program (SCVP) successfully creates layers of spiritual caregiving based on patient acuity level. SCVP volunteers are part of the interdisciplinary team providing patients and families with spiritual support, encouragement, and comfort through spiritual care visits. The program has 40-45 volunteers and an average monthly census of 100 patients. These special volunteers visit patients in 40 ALFs and nursing homes. A cadre of Stephen ministers, clergy, and others with counseling degrees serve as volunteer spiritual counselors to visit low acuity home patients who want more involved spiritual support. In 2014, volunteers visited 279 patients for a total of 1,765 visits and 1,303 hours. The SCVP creates individualized spiritual caregiving based on patient acuity, enhances diversity in spiritual care provided, increases volunteer hours and spiritual care services, strengthens relationships with community partners, educates people about hospice through community outreach, and provides a significant cost-savings to Gulfside.
When making end-of-life decisions and documenting advance directives, one decision that should be considered is whether to be a tissue and/or organ donor. Although hospices are not required to make organ and tissue donor referrals like hospitals, Community 
Hospice of Northeast Florida’s innovative Gift of Life program ensures that the community they serve will have their final wishes honored. With the majority of deaths now occuring outside the traditional hospital setting, registered donors and their families would typically not have the option to be able to save and enhance the lives of others through the gift of donation without such a referral program. The Gift of Life program and partnership with LifeNet Health of Florida program has honored the final wishes of 99 individuals to date, given families comfort and pride, and served the broader local community by bringing the gift of tissue donation to thousands of recipients.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” – Winston S. Churchill Painting memories on a horse along with groundwork activities helps to facilitate grief feelings and creates a bonding experience for families that have recently experienced the death of a loved one
. Sometimes it is just easier to talk about difficult feelings while grooming or interacting with a horse. This experiential approach is especially successful with children and teens who sometimes may be reluctant to come into a group setting to share painful feelings with strangers. The art and horse activities together create metaphors that parallel how the family is handling their own grief. The awareness becomes concrete and visual allowing for a change in relationships and adjustments to living life without the deceased loved one.
The Synergy Award is the Award of Excellence to the group that makes collaboration happen.
When Hospice of Palm Beach County and Hospice by the Sea combined to form TrustBridge Health, many of the structures in place were no longer relevant in the current healthcare environment and created barriers for staff, wasted time or resources, and restricted the service excellence the new organization strived for. More than 140 leadership staff established a Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) project that reached beyond what either hospice organization ha
d ever accomplished. They adopted the principles of Lean Theory as an organizational long-term commitment, engaged a consultant for the project, and named the initiative QAPI+.
The QAPI+ Project is a group of interdisciplinary employees from multiple departments overseen by project analysts. Frontline staff lead the group, with managers, directors and C-level staff working side by side with them. Together, they are called the Sustaining Innovation Group. Going forward, the Sustaining Innovation Group will grow and exchange members, continually combining people from different places in the patient care process, from billing, to supply distribution, to nursing. Each and every one of TrustBridge Health’s 1,500 employees has the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organization. The Sustaining Innovation Group serves as the pulse of the organization, constantly searching for ways to create happier employees through better processes—both of which translate into happier patients and families.
Treasure Coast HospiceThe 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.
This film traces one man’s journey to becoming a hospice volunteer and celebrates the passion that makes hospice volunteers such a critical member of the team.
Subscribe to our Forum email list to be informed of the 2016 Awards of Excellence call for nominations.
In a continued effort bring valuable benefits to our members, FHPCA is excited to announce that we have installed to a new Job Board (www.floridahospices.org/jobs) on our website. This new FHPCA Job Board provides members more control over their listings, and interested applicants more options when searching for jobs.
You can now…
Even with this increased functionality, the job board remains a free member benefit. Here are instructions and tips when posting to the job board:
How to post jobs:
Things to remember:
osition you would like for us to set to not expire, email us at info@nullfloridahospices.org with the listing information.Questions?
Email info@nullfloridahospices.org or call our office at 877-783-1922.
FHPCA is proud to announce the Executive Committee Committee Chairs for 2015. The Committee Chairs drive FHPCA’s strategic plan initiatives and work hard to ensure FHPCA’s mission to assure excellence and access to hospice care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life.
Research & Development Committee
Cathy Adkison, BSN, CHPN, CEO, Big Bend Hospice
Cathy has been the CEO of Big Bend Hospice since July 2011. Her prior experience includes Senior Vice President of Branch Operations at Alacare Home Health & Hospice in Alabama and Vice President of Operations for Western Region at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola. She has been working in the Home Health and Hospice industry for over 25 years.
Public Policy Committee
Chuck Lee, MA, MBA, President & CEO, Cornerstone Hospice
Before joining Cornerstone Hospice as President and CEO in 2013, Chuck had more than 11 years of executive-level hospice experience. Chuck holds a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Loyola University. He earned his Master of Arts at The George Washington University, and his Master of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Chuck has also completed an extended internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola FL, and he is a Permanent Deacon, ordained in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Quality Committee: Indicators & Education
Cathy Blanchard, BSN, RN, Area Vice President of Operations, Gentiva Health Services
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.
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is pleased to announce position changes to its Board Leadership and Executive Committee for 2015.
Susan de C
uba, MA, ACHE, President & CEO, Treasure Coast Hospice, served as FHPCA’s Internal Vice President before being elected as Chair. Susan has worked for Treasure Coast Hospice for ten years, overseeing various departments including Bereavement, Volunteer Services, Marketing, Foundation, Finance, IT and Compliance. She was recognized by the American Marketing Association as one of the top non-profit marketers in the country and was responsible for Treasure Coast Hospice’s award winning media education campaign. Susan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Humanities and Spanish, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from University of South Florida.
Ron Fried, Executive Vice President of Development and Public Affairs, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, was elected as the Internal Vice Chair. Ron brings to the FHPCA Executive Committee more than 20 years of hospice management and administrative responsibilities and more than 30 years of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs. Ron oversees public policy issues for VITAS and manages those activities at both the state and federal level. Ron serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and a member of the FHPCA Board of Directors. Ron also serves as immediate past Chair of NHPCO’s affiliate, the Hospice Action Network.
Linda Ward, MSW, President & CEO, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care finished her term as FHPCA Chair and now serves as the Past Chair. Linda has 26 years of healthcare experience in acute care, long-term care and hospice care along with administrative experience in operations, management and marketing. As President & CEO of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, Linda is responsible for overall operations of a $30M company, census growth and revenue, as well as provision of quality of care to patients and families. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Healthcare Administration, and is a national speaker on the topics of Alzheimer’s, Hospice and customer loyalty, and is a member of many healthcare organizations.
Staying on in their current position is:
Bonnie Alkema, RN, CHPN, Executive Director, Catholic Hospice, remains in her role as Secretary. Bonnie, who has over 20 years of experience in the hospice healthcare industry, has been with Catholic Hospice since 2008, where she was previously the Director of Performance Improvement. She comes from Caring People Home Healthcare Agency where she was the Director of Operations and Director of Nursing. A seasoned nurse, Bonnie has served as General Manager, National Patient Care Administrator, Patient Care Administrator, and Team Manager, all within the hospice field.
Tom Barb, MHA, President & CEO, HPH Hospice, remains FHPCA’s Treasurer. Tom has been president and CEO of HPH Hospice since July of 2008, and brings his 35 years of varied healthcare experience with for-profit, non-profit and governmental hospital organizations to FHPCA’s Board of Directors. Tom has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Health Administration from Georgia State University.
Jim Poole, CHA, VP Community & Legislative Affairs, Haven Hospice, remains in his role as the External Vice Chair. Jim’s background has been community engagement and economic development, having lead the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Economic Development Council over the last 19 years. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoys golf when he can find the time.
Paul Ledford, President & CEO of FHPCA says, “A large part of FHPCA’s success stems from the expertise and involvement of our members. I am especially grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Executive Committee.” For over 30 years, FHPCA has been 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.
November is Hospice & Palliative Care Month (read Governor Scott’s proclamation) and a great time to learn more about the wonderful services hospice and palliative care provides patients and families.
What is hospice and palliative care? 
Hospice and palliative care regards dying as a natural process. The goal of hospice and palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life through coordinating and/or managing the Plan of Care with goals to: relieve suffering, and control symptoms, and while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices.
Four take aways about hospice and palliative care:
How can you support hospice and palliative care in Florida?
There are numerous ways you can support the mission and services of hospice and palliative care. You could volunteer at a hospice program, donate to a program in your area, donate to FHPCA, or purchase the Hospice Specialty License Plate.
About the Specialty Hospice License Plate:
When you purchase a license plate, $25 a year goes a long way by providing support towards the following:
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. One of the ways we are able to accomplish our mission is through the sales of the Specialty Hospice License Plate. Visit HERE for more information or to purchase your plate.
The recent article, “How Dying Became a Multibillion-Dollar Industry” published by the Huffington Post, 
spoke on the increasing business of hospice care. This article attempted to prove that hospice is turning big business and quality of patient care is suffering because of it. Unfortunately, this article’s reporting is misleading and sensational.
Ultimately, the quality of care a patient receives is the most important factor when in hospice care. Florida is ahead of most states by offering the “Hospice Provider Family Satisfaction Survey” as a way to help inform patients and families about quality of care provided by hospice providers. When reviewing the results, there is no significant difference in the quality provided by the for-profit or not-for profit hospices. The business model may be different, but ultimately the goal to provide excellence end of life care to dying patients is the same.
If you are seeking hospice care, we encourage you to consider a few things:
+Be an informed consumer. As with any product or service, you should be informed about what you will receive. Ask the right questions and talk to others in similar circumstance. Not sure what to ask? Visit FHPCA’s “Choosing a Hospice” page for questions to consider when seeking end-of-life care. It’s your right as a consumer to choose the best option available. To find a provider in your area, visit our “Find a Provider” page.
+What is hospice? Hospice is a special kind of care for people who no longer pursue a cure for their illnesses at the end of life. With hospice, care priorities shift to support patients and the caregivers with end-of-life decision-making to reach the best quality possible for each day. If a patient wishes to receive palliative and curative treatment simultaneously, the service they should be seeking is palliative care, not hospice.
The goal of hospice is to comfort the patient, and to educate and train the patient’s family on how to care for their dying loved one. Hospice does not provide 24/7 custodial care, but instead educates and empowers the family to provide the care. Responsibilities family members may have include, but are not limited to, bathing, medication distribution and emotional support. There are four levels of care in hospice, and providers must follow federal guidelines to determine which level is appropriate for the patient. If the patient’s situation changes and they need a different level of care, the provider will adjust accordingly.
+Understand the plan of care. When a patient enters hospice, the provider creates a plan of care with the family. The plan of care reflects patient and family goals and interventions based on the needs identified in the initial, comprehensive, and updated assessments. If the patient or their medical proxy wishes to obtain treatment that moves beyond comfort care to life sustaining, their goals deviate from the type of service hospice provide and they should seek a different kind of care.
The hospice benefit is available to patients for up six months, sometimes longer depending on the patient’s prognosis, but too often patients receive this care only within a few days of death. The sooner a patient enters hospice, the more benefit they can receive thru pain management, spiritual care, and possibly complimentary therapies such as massage or music therapies. The family can also benefit from the grief and bereavement counseling that hospice provides.
What Can You Do? The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has been working hard to pass legislation aimed at increasing hospice surveys conducted by regulatory agencies as a means to ensure quality nation-wide. If you would like to participate in effecting positive change in hospice nationally, contact your local congressional delegate and tell them to support the Hospice HELP Act (S. 1053/HR 2302).
Additional Resources:
FHPCA’s Consumer Hotline: 800-282-6560
FHPCA’s email: info@nullfloridahospices.org
How to Choose a Hospice by Dr. Casarett
Orlando, FL. – On May 22nd, in conjunction with the 29th Annual Forum “The Journey Continues: Elevating Clinical Practice to New Heights”, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announced the 2014 winners of the annual Awards of Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Care. The Awards of Excellence program was created to identify, recognize and showcase the outstanding and innovative work of individual staff members and hospice programs throughout the state of Florida. This award program aims to provide a venue for hospice professionals to honor their peers and highlight the very best hospice has to offer.
FHPCA is pleased to announce the 2014 winners:
Barbara Janosko Award of Excellence in Leadership:
Dr. Gail Cooney, Hospice of Palm Beach County
Award of Excellence in Interdisciplinary Care:
Dr. Barry Miskin, Hospice of Palm Beach County
The Catalyst Award:
Pauline Taylor, Hospice of St. Francis
Award of Excellence in Program Innovation-Clinical Practice:
The Clinical Ladder, Emerald Coast Hospice
Award of Excellence in Program Innovation-Community Outreach:
“What’s On Your Bucket List?”, Avow
The Synergy Award:
Haven Hospice Ambassadors, Haven Hospice
The Hospice Story Award:
“A Hospice Story – Mr. T” by Gail Gerntrup, Hospice of Okeechobee
Congratulations to the award winners for their dedicated work to quality hospice care in Florida! For photos and summaries of the award winners, please visit our Forum webpage.
About the Awards:
The Barbara Janosko Excellence In Leadership Award recognizes an individual in a midlevel management position whose work has promoted the advancement of excellence in hospice and palliative care.
The Excellence in Interdisciplinary Care Award recognizes an individual hospice and palliative care professional who has attained outstanding achievements in the direct provision of care to patients and families.
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.
The Excellence in Program Innovation Awards, Clinical & Community Outreach, are presented to hospice and palliative care programs which demonstrate dynamic innovations or special initiatives.
The Synergy Award recognizes 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.
The Hospice Story Award recognizes an individual in any role within a hospice organization who most creatively and effectively conveys what their hospice experience means to them.
About the Awards of Excellence Selection Process: Nomination submissions are judged by a selection committee composed of leaders within the hospice industry. The selection committee considered examples and specific details that demonstrate 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.
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is pleased to announce that we won the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) 2014 Trailblazer Award for our “Congressional Advocacy Notebook” project. The 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 2012, NHPCO held their annual HAN Advocacy Intensive to advocate for hospice and the HELP Hospice Act. FHPCA saw an opportunity to go beyond just face-to-face meetings with the Florida delegation and called upon our membership for letters of support from patients, families, and hospice staff. We compiled these letters, over 240 of them, and created notebooks that FHPCA members gave their district representatives when visiting during the HAN Advocacy Intensive.
“These notebooks did more than just advocate a need, they told a story. FHPCA wanted Florida hospice providers going to Washington, DC not to just ask for their delegate’s support, but to hand them a notebook so the delegate could feel the weight of what patients and families were asking.” says Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA. “Each of these notebooks contained powerful and tangible stories, and we are proud of our members for participating and making an impact in Washington, DC.” The Trailblazer Award will be presented at NHPCO’s Council of States Meeting on June 15, in conjunction with the 2014 Hospice Action Network Advocacy Intensive in Washington, DC.
Read more about the Washington, DC visit and the notebooks by visiting this link.
WHAT ARE THE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE?
Excellence in the delivery of hospice and palliative care is the hallmark of hospice providers and professionals in Florida. We celebrate this excellence through our Annual Awards of Excellence program. Awards are presented to both individuals and programs that represent the very best Florida has to offer. Nominations are judged by a selection committee composed of leaders within the hospice industry. See the 2013 Winners.
The Awards of Excellence include CASH PRIZES! Thanks to the generous support of awards sponsors, each of the 2014 award winners will receive a cash prize in addition to a recognition plaque. Prize amounts vary by award.
WHAT AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are two categories of awards, they are:
1) Individual Awards
2) Program Awards
WHEN IS THE CEREMONY?
The ceremony is to be held at the Hilton Orlando in conjunction with FHPCA’s 29th Annual Forum.
HOW DO I APPLY?
We’ve made applying for an award easier than ever. Just click the Online Application Form, create username and password, and follow the instructions. Please ensure all supporting documents are uploaded with the application. Nominees must be a FHPCA member (that includes any employee of a program member) in good standing at the time of nomination and at the time of the award presentation.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS?
Deadline to submit entries is MARCH 15th.
For more information, visit our Awards of Excellence page.
For over 30 years, FHPCA has worked toward the betterment of hospice through the commitment of our members and our Board Leadership. We are pleased to announce the new additions to our Board Leadership and Executive Committee.
“We feel fortunate as an association to have such an esteemed and talented Executive Committee. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work to further FHPCA’s mission to assure excellence and access to hospice care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life.” Says Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA.
Bonnie Alkema, RN, CHPN, Executive Director of Catholic Hospice, was elected Secretary. Bonnie, who has over 20 years of experience in the hospice healthcare industry, has been with Catholic Hospice since 2008, where she was previously the Director of Performance Improvement. She comes from Caring People Home Healthcare Agency where she was the Director of Operations and Director of Nursing. A seasoned nurse, Bonnie has served as General Manager, National Patient Care Administrator, Patient Care Administrator, and Team Manager, all within the hospice field.
Susan deCuba, MA, CHE, President/CEO, Treasure Coast Hospice, was FHPCA’s Quality Committee Chair and was elected to move into the role of Internal Vice President. She brings to the board her experience in Marketing, Foundation, Finance, IT, Compliance, Bereavement and Volunteer Services. Susan was recognized by the American Marketing Association as one of the top non-profit marketers in the country. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Humanities and Spanish, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from University of South Florida.
Jim Poole, CHA, Vice President of Community & Legislative Affairs, Haven Hospice, was elected External Vice President. Jim’s background has been community engagement and economic development, having lead the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Economic Development Council over the last 19 years. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoys golf when he can find the time.
Staying on in their current position is:
Linda Ward, MSW, President/CEO, Gulfside Regional Hospice was elected a two two-year terms as President of FHPCA Board of Directors in November 2012. Formerly the Secretary of FHPCA Board of Directors, Linda will continue to bring her 26 years of healthcare experience in acute care, long-term care and hospice care along with administrative experience in operations, management and marketing to FHPCA’s Executive Committee. Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Healthcare Administration, and is a national speaker on the topics of Alzheimer’s, Hospice and customer loyalty, and is a member of many healthcare organizations.
Tom Barb, MHA, President/CEO, HPH Hospice, was elected Treasurer. Tom has been president and CEO of HPH Hospice since July of 2008, and brings his 35 years of varied healthcare experience with for-profit, non-profit and governmental hospital organizations to FHPCA’s Board of Directors. Tom has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Health Administration from Georgia State University.
Mary Ellen Poe, MSA, RN, President/CEO, Hospice of Marion County is the Immediate Past President. Mary Ellen Poe joined Hospice of Marion County and its Affiliated Companies as Chief Executive Officer in May 2009. In addition to being FHPCA’s Immediate Past President, she is also an officer for the Access to Healthcare Inc. Board, and serves on the Governance Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Cathy Adkison, BSN, ADN, President/CEO, Big Bend Hospice, remains as the Funding Committee Chair. Cathy joined Big Bend Hospice in 2011 from Alabama where she was a Senior Vice President of Operations for a large home health and hospice provider serving over 54 counties. She is a Registered Nurse and holds a bachelor’s of science in nursing as well as certification in Hospice and Home Care Administration. Adkison has 30 years of nursing experience, with 26 of those years in administrative and management positions.
Ron Fried, Senior Vice President of Development, VITAS Innovative Healthcare, remains as the Public Policy Committee Chair. Ron brings more than fifteen years of hospice management and administrative responsibilities and more than thirty years of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs to his role Public Policy Committee Chair. Along with his extensive work and public policy experience, he is also Chair of the boards of directors of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and a board member of the Hospice Action Network.
November is Hospice & Palliative Care Month and is not only a great time to recognize the excellent end-of-life care provided in Florida, but also an opportunity to support hospice programming through the purchase of the Specialty Hospice License Plate. $25 a year from your plate goes far by providing support towards the following:
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. One of the ways we are able to accomplish our mission is through the sales of the Specialty Hospice License Plate. Visit www.myfloridaspecialtyplate.com to purchase your plate today. You can read the Florida Hospice Month declaration from Gov. Rick Scott at http://bit.ly/1bySQGJ
Senator Montford reads the National Hospice Proclamation:
What is Hospice and Palliative Care? Hospice is a type of care that offers people care, chosen by them, at the end of their life. To be eligible for hospice, a patient must have a life-limiting terminal illness that puts their life expectancy within six months or less. In Florida, some private pay insurers allow for a year or less. Palliative care can offer some of the same types of services that hospice does, but it is provided to everyone, no matter the diagnosis or life expectancy.
Hospice and palliative care regards dying as a natural process. The goal of hospice and palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life through relief of suffering, control of symptoms, and restoration of functional capacity while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices. The highly specialized and unique array of hospice and palliative care services creates an environment which encourages the patient to express what is in the heart, focus on love and forgiveness, and on life’s meaning and purpose. When things need to be said, issues resolved and dreams fulfilled, hospice will be there for you.
On May 23rd, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announced the 2013 winners of the annual Awards of Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Care.
The Awards of Excellence program was created to identify, recognize and showcase the outstanding and innovative work of individual staff members and hospice programs throughout the state of Florida. The Awards aim to provide a venue for hospice professionals to honor their peers and highlight the very best hospice has to offer.
Winners:
The Excellence in Interdisciplinary Care Award recognizes an individual hospice and palliative care professional who has attained outstanding achievements in the direct provision of care to patients and families.
Excellence in Interdisciplinary Care Award winner Beth Caldwell, Lifepath Hospice
The thing that truly sets Beth apart from other nurses is her patient care philosophy. Her approach—“If it’s not a problem for the patient, it’s not a problem for me; If it is a problem for the patient, it is a problem for me”—enables patients to gain a sense of control in the final leg of their life’s journey. Beth is able to meet every patient where they are—in squalor or affluence, in denial or acceptance—and walk with them there. It’s their life, their death. She is simply there to provide support and comfort along the way.
The Barbara Janosko Excellence In Leadership Award recognizes an individual in a midlevel management position whose work has promoted the advancement of excellence in hospice and palliative care.
Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA & Barbara Janosko Award winner Mary Richt, Hospice of the Sea
Like Barbara Janosko, throughout her 19 year career in hospice and palliative care, Mary Richt has distinguished herself. At Hospice by the Sea, Inc., she is respected for her leadership abilities and sensitivity to the needs of practitioners, patients and families. During her tenure with the not-for-profit organization serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Mary has assumed a number of roles, progressively taking on more and more responsibility. Because of her proven management abilities and innovation, today, Mary is the Senior Director of Clinical Excellence and sets and example of exceptional service. Her foresight and creativity have helped her to achieve this respect. The four cornerstones of Hospice by the Sea are integrity, excellence, teamwork and accountability, and Mary Richt is the embodiment of all of them in everything that she does to promote the advancement of excellence in hospice and palliative care.
The Hospice Story Award recognizes a work of creative writing, either in prose or poem form.
Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA and Hospice Story Award winner Fred Mortensen
Fred Mortensen, Spiritual Care Counselor at Hospice by the Sea, Inc. creatively employs storytelling to comfort, inspire, and console patients and family members every day. When asked to share a story that conveyed what the hospice experience means to him, Fred chose this tender and sensitive memory that beautifully recreates the love between two people. It conveys a strong and clear picture of the power of love and relationships, providing tremendous insight into the values and character of the man who tells the story. Fred views his involvement with this couple facing life’s greatest challenge as a gift he received from them. They affirmed for him that it is possible to reach this crossroads of life in hospice care, and yet remain spiritually and emotionally healthy while remaining true to yourself. They no longer may be in Fred’s life, but these lovers remain in his heart and, now, in ours.
The Synergy Award recognizes 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.
Linda Ward, FHPCA President and President/CEO of Gulfside Regional Hospice & Synergy Award winner Stacy Orloff, Suncoast Hospice
The South African Partnership committee was formed to support the efforts of the Suncoast Hospice alliance with Hospice Association of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa. The partnership was formed in 2001 and has built momentum every step of the way including receiving the inaugural global partner award from FHSSA in 2011 recognizing outstanding partnership efforts to improve palliative care in South Africa.
Building a sustainable partnership is not easy and many challenges surfaces along the way. The partnership committee has worked tirelessly and diligently to keep our sister hospice at the fore-front of our initiatives and sustainable.
The immense pride our partnership team feels about our South African partnership has easily translated into making a difference to our own Suncoast Hospice patients and families. They are a testament to how a passionate team can make a difference well beyond its stated mission.
The Excellence in Program Innovation- Community Outreach Awards are presented to hospice and palliative care programs which demonstrate dynamic innovations or special initiatives.
Top – Kelly Cavagnetto and Ashley Monteath, Children’s Activity Coordinators, Gulfside Regional Hospice – Award of Excellence in Program Innovation-Community Outreach: Grief and Loss Puppet Program, Gulfside Regional Hospice
Bottom – Linda Ward, FHPCA President and President/CEO of Gulfside Regional Hospice, Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA, Aloesea Program, Hospice by the Sea, and Rob Goodsell, Home Healthcare Solutions (award sponsor)
Our inspiration for the Grief and Loss Puppet Shows was inspired by an acknowledgment of need due to the many phone calls we were receiving from Pasco County for children’s bereavement counseling and education. We wanted to help the children acknowledge their grief and learn coping skills to deal with the loss, in a healthy and socially acceptable way. We made contact with the elementary schools to explain the program, selected a grief and loss play to perform, created a puppet show screen and trained two Bereavement counselors and some volunteers. We secured some beanie babies as comfort pals for the children and schedule the shows with the schools. Our statistics have risen every year since we began the program in the schools in 2006. The demand is greater than we can respond to each year but we make an effort to provide the show to a few new schools each year. The number of children we reached in 2011-12 was 1400. We learn through our surveys how we can improve the presentation and the impact it has on the kids. The classrooms now can discuss death without fear, children can cry without feeling odd, and they can understand their own feelings and acknowledge their pain without the need to “act out.” Children and teachers are more sensitive to each other and their peers. Implications: We live in a death denying society. The only way we can make a change so that society’s children can respond to loss with a healthy and natural approach is to educate and provide creative programs to the school system and other settings that create a safe and compassionate environment for the children to share feelings of loss, disappointment and sadness. Hospices can lead the way.
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 examples and specific details that demonstrate 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.
Traveling to a destination rarely happens without adventure, mishaps, or detours, and the same goes with one’s life destination. FHPCA’s 28th Annual Forum Conference “Journey: Mapping Our Past, Paving New Roads” is about looking at the past, present, and future of hospice, but what’s more important than an industry is the people that make it work.
That’s why we want to know your personal
or professional hospice journey.
Tell us about a specific moment in your hospice journey that really made an impact in your life (please include year of event) by leaving a comment below or emailing us at info@nullfloridahospices.org*, then look for your story by visiting us online at:
*By submitting your story you agree to allow FHPCA to post your story on it’s online channels or at the 2013 Forum conference.
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announces the new additions to its Board Leadership and Executive Committee.
Linda Ward, President/CEO, Gulfside Regional Hospice, was elected a two two-year terms as President of FHPCA Board of Directors this past November. Formerly the Secretary of FHPCA Board of Directors, Linda will continue to bring her 26 years of healthcare experience in acute care, long-term care and hospice care along with administrative experience in operations, management and marketing to FHPCA’s Executive Committee. Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Healthcare Administration, and is a national speaker on the topics of Alzheimer’s, Hospice and customer loyalty, and is a member of many healthcare organizations.
Rana McClelland, Executive Director, Compassionate Care Hospice, was elected Secretary. Rana joined Compassionate Care Hospice in 2010 and brings to the FHPCA Board her skills and experience in healthcare management. She received her MBA in Business Administration from Southeastern University in 2009 and her BS in Business Administration from Auburn University. Rana has been a Certified Hospice Administrator since 2007.
Tom Barb, President/CEO, HPH Hospice, was elected Treasurer. Tom has been president and CEO of HPH Hospice since July of 2008, and brings his 35 years of varied healthcare experience with for-profit, non-profit and governmental hospital organizations to FHPCA’s Board of Directors. Tom has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Health Administration from Georgia State University.
Mary Ellen Poe, President/CEO, Hospice of Marion County became FHPCA’s Immediate Past President and will remain on the Executive Committee for two more years. Mary Ellen Poe joined Hospice of Marion County and its Affiliated Companies as Chief Executive Officer in May 2009. In addition to being FHPCA’s Immediate Past President, she is also an officer for the Access to Healthcare Inc. Board, and serves on the Governance Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Mary Ellen’s style as president was excellent for convening ideas. She worked well at 
managing sometimes competing interest in such as way that the association was able to make forward progress with its goals and objectives, and empowered the FHPCA staff to excel at their work. “Serving hospice at the state level these past two years has been an honor, and one I have thoroughly enjoyed as well. Being in FHPCA’s leadership role provided me with the unique position of bringing us all together for the right reason—to ensure that all our patients across Florida are benefiting from the highest quality of care available at the end of life. This is the rare privilege we jointly share, and a commitment to mission we all hold dear.”
Although Mary Ellen moves into a less demanding role on the Executive Committee, she still remains involved with issues regarding quality measures, and building relationships with agencies and legislators in support of FHPCA. “Mary Ellen always offered a voice of measured reason. Her style of leadership was exactly what FHPCA needed during her tenure and we appreciate the dedication and hard work she put into her role as president”, says Paul Ledford, Executive Director, FHPCA.
Staying on in her current role, Kathy Fernandez, President and CEO of Chapters Health Systems remains FHPCA’s Internal Vice President. In 1993, she joined Hospice of Hillsborough (as Chapters Health was then known) and was named president and chief executive officer in 1998. Under Kathy’s visionary leadership, the company has experienced a significant increase in the number of patients served and expanded programs to address the needs related to aging, complex medical conditions and end-of-life concerns.
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tampa and a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.
Samira K. Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope Healthcare Services remains FHPCA’s External Vice President. Samira has served as president and CEO of Hope Healthcare Services for more than two decades. She also serves as chair of the National Hospice Foundation Board of Directors and is a National Hospice Work Group founding director. She also serves on the American Society of Pain Educators Board of Directors, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Board of Directors and is the founder and president of Florida PACE Association.
Beckwith earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University and has been recognized for her leadership, career accomplishments and commitments to diversity.
Also joining the Executive Committee under new committee roles as created by the FHPCA’s 2012 strategic plan:
Ron Fried, Senior Vice President of Development, VITAS Innovative Healthcare, was confirmed to the role of Public Policy Committee Chair. Though this is not a new committee, it is one of the most active. Ron brings more than fifteen years of hospice management and administrative responsibilities and more than thirty years of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs to his role Public Policy Committee Chair. Along with his extensive work and public policy experience, Ron also is active with NHPCO and was recently elected Chair of their Board of Directors.
Cathy Adkison, President/CEO, Big Bend Hospice, was confirmed as Chair of the newly developed Funding Committee. Cathy joined Big Bend Hospice in 2011 from Alabama where she was a Senior Vice President of Operations for a large home health and hospice provider serving over 54 counties. She is a Registered Nurse and holds a bachelor’s of science in nursing as well as certification in Hospice and Home Care Administration. Adkison has 30 years of nursing experience, with 26 of those years in administrative and management positions.
Susan deCuba, Executive Vice President/President Elect, Treasure Coast Hospice, was confirmed Chair of the newly created Quality Committee. She brings to the board her experience in Marketing, Foundation, Finance, IT, Compliance, Bereavement and Volunteer Services. Susan was recognized by the American Marketing Association as one of the top non-profit marketers in the country and was responsible for Treasure Coast Hospice’s award winning media education campaign.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Humanities and Spanish, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from University of South Florida.
“We are excited about the new officers, and as we celebrate 30 years as an association we look forward to the talent and experience these new members bring to the leadership”, says Paul Ledford, Executive Director of FHPCA.