HFA Press Releases - pre-1999

Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

December 2, 1998

Hospice Foundation of America announces publication of its newest resource, A Guide To Recalling and Telling Your Life Story

The second edition of the Hospice Foundation of America's award winning book, A Guide To Recalling and Telling Your Life Story, is now available. The Guide is a process which helps people write the stories of their lives - by themselves, or with the assistance of family, friends or caregivers.

The introductory chapter offers suggestions on getting started, organizing your thoughts, dealing with difficult memories, and enlisting the help of a second person. The following four sections prompt your recollections in a logical order through questions and suggestions, and offer pages for recording your memories and thoughts. The final chapter is for recording one's general reflections on life. The Guide's 272 pages of instruction, exercises and work-pages are unified with attractive graphics in a user-friendly format.

"What more precious gift could you give your family than the gift of your memories and values," noted Jack D. Gordon, President of Hospice Foundation of America. "The Guide can help anyone produce an autobiographical heirloom to be treasured by generations to come. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

The Guide is available from Hospice Foundation of America for $15.00, which includes shipping and handling. Contact HFA at 1-800-854-3402.

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Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

December 2, 1998

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA PRESENTS
SIXTH ANNUAL NATIONAL BEREAVEMENT TELECONFERENCE

"LIVING WITH GRIEF: AT WORK, AT SCHOOL, AT WORSHIP"

On Wednesday, April 14, 1999, over 2,000 organizations across the United States and Canada will host the Hospice Foundation of America's sixth annual National Bereavement Teleconference.  "Living with Grief: At Work, At School, At Worship", a live-via-satellite video teleconference, will examine the ways that grief influences us in various settings, such as the workplace, schools, or places of worship.  This public service program will offer humane and practical suggestions for those assisting grievers and for organizations who may have those struggling with illness and loss in their midst.

Cokie Roberts of ABC News will once again moderate the teleconference; she will be joined by  a distinguished panel of experts.  This award winning broadcast annually reaches an audience of 150,000 in over 2,000 communities across the country. Teleconference sites will include hospices, hospitals, state offices on aging, universities, community colleges, and funeral homes.  Special outreach efforts will be made to Employee Assistance Programs and Human Resources Departments of local business organizations.  "Hosting or co-sponsoring the teleconference allows local organizations the opportunity to offer a valuable community service to businesses and schools and to network with other resources in their area," according to Jack D. Gordon, President of Hospice Foundation of America. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

Gordon offers further insight as the founder and former President of Washington Savings Bank and a former Florida State Senator,   "While striving in the '60s to be the first savings bank to reach the billion dollar level, I found that personal traumas in an employee's life often resulted in lost productivity, which was a distracting and expensive barrier in reaching our goals.  As President of Hospice Foundation of America I find I now have the opportunity of assisting businesses in coping with a major workplace problem from which no organization is immune."

The panel will include Kenneth J. Doka, Ph.D., Lutheran minister and professor of gerontology at the College of New Rochelle; Michael Jemmott, B.S., M.Div., Senior Staff Chaplain at the Johns Hopkins Hospital; Michael Kirby, M.S.W., director of the New York State Police Employee Assistance Department; and Marcia Lattanzi-Licht, R.N., M.A., L.P.C., co-founder of Hospice of Boulder County and internationally known educator, author, and consultant.

One participant who hosts the program every year noted, "the teleconference was excellent; panelists were knowledgeable, topics relevant...it was a great opportunity for people from our community--hospice staff, volunteers, clergy, funeral directors, and families--to hear valuable information from the nation's top experts in the field." (Barbara Bell, Director, Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, Gardiner, ME)

The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.

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Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

November 10, 1998

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA LAUNCHES NATIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

Articles to appear in major newspapers across the country

Washington, D.C. -- Hospice Foundation of America has developed an educational series that will run in several major newspapers across the country during the months of November and December. The eight-part series is designed to inform readers about some of the difficult issues surrounding death and terminal illness and educate them about the benefits of hospice care as an option when faced with these situations.

"Hospice Foundation of America has long been aware of our country's growing elderly population and the generation of baby boomers faced with caring for aging and dying parents; these articles are one way in which we're responding to the needs and questions we hear everyday from people faced with these difficult situations," says Jack D. Gordon, President of Hospice Foundation of America. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

"A recent Gallup Poll indicated that ninety percent of Americans, if faced with a terminal illness, would prefer to be cared for and die in their homes. Hospice is a comprehensive program of care, emphasizing the control of pain and discomfort, allowing the patient and family to focus on maintaining quality of life," says Gordon.

Topics include, "Americans Change Care for the Dying," "Will Your Doctor Do What You Want?" and, "Can We Humanize Our Medical System?" The series offers readers advice on the hospice option, how to help a dying friend, and points out some of the ways medical technology can complicate a peaceful death.

The eight-part series will appear in the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel beginning the week of November 11, 1998. Currently, these informational articles can be found in the Los Angeles Times, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, and the Miami Herald.

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Editor's note: To set up an interview with Jack D. Gordon or more information regarding HFA and available resources, contact Program Assistant at 202-638-5419. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

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Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

November 7, 1998

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA TACKLES GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Washington, D.C. -- Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) releases its holiday issue of Journeys, a monthly newsletter to help those struggling with illness, death and grief. "The holiday season can be a difficult time for those coping with the pain and complications of loss," according to Kenneth Doka, PhD, senior consultant to HFA The current issue of Journeys addresses some of the difficulties presented by the season through articles providing insight and advice from leading experts in the field of bereavement.

"In the roller coaster of grief, holidays often become low points; stress and the normal overindulgence of the holiday season can stretch us to a breaking point," said Doka, "It's not unusual for grievers to feel at odds with the celebratory tone of the season and painful reminders of your loss are often found in what were once happy holiday traditions." In a series of articles, Journeys examines some of the common stresses found at this time of year and presents practical techniques readers can utilize as they deal with issues of bereavement and loss often magnified by the holidays.

Contributing authors include Kenneth Doka, Rabbi Earl Grollman, Judy Tatelbaum, and Rev. Paul Irion. Journeys not only benefits grieving individuals but people who may have those struggling with loss in their midst. HFA's newsletter, Journeys, has a circulation of 45,000 a month and is used by hospices, hospitals, funeral homes and assisted living facilities in addition to individual subscribers.

The Hospice Foundation of America, with offices in Washington, DC and Miami Beach, is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.

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Editor's note: To set up an interview with Dr. Kenneth Doka, permission to reprint from Journeys or more information regarding HFA and available bereavement resources, contact Program Assistant at 202-638-5419.

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Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

December 10, 1997

HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA RESPONDS TO GALLUP POLL ON ADULTS' FEELINGS ABOUT LIFE'S END

Foundation Actively Addressing Concerns About Lack Of Spiritual Guidance

Washington, D.C. -- The Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) echoes the findings of a recent Gallup Poll documenting a salient issue among clergy, religious institutions and hospices. The survey, titled "Spiritual Beliefs and the Dying Process," showed evidence that the spiritual needs of the dying are not being met by clergy.

This is a void that the HFA fills by providing clergy with several highly acclaimed educational programs. One is an audio cassette series titled "Clergy to Clergy: Helping You Minister To Those Confronting Illness, Death and Grief." The series, completed in conjunction with Yale and Berkeley Divinity schools, addresses topics ranging from "Counseling Children" to "Facing Illness as a Family" to "Funeral Rituals" and features discussions with prominent bereavement experts many of whom are also clergy members.

"Over the years, the role of clergy has evolved," said Reverend Kenneth Doka, PhD, ordained minister and senior consultant for HFA. "Until recently, theological students were trained to be theologians, not counselors. The poll indicates that a large number of people are worried about dying without God's forgiveness. Clergy should be on the front lines to discuss such issues and address spiritual needs prior to death."

In April, the HFA will broadcast their annual bereavement teleconference that brings together more than one-hundred-twenty-thousand clergy, grief counselors, and other professionals from around the country. The event, hosted by ABC's Cokie Roberts, is one of the few free resources available to clergy and lay people on this important topic. This year's teleconference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, will focus on how spirituality and culture affect the grieving process.

"The poll confirms what we've been saying for years -- clergy need training on bereavement issues," said Jack Gordon, president of the Foundation. "People expect clergy to be supportive in times of need, yet it's a fact that grief counseling is an area largely neglected during seminary training." [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

The Gallup poll posed end-of-life-related questions to 1,212 adults, in a random, nationwide telephone survey commissioned by the Nathan Cummings Foundation in New York and the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Hospice Foundation of America, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Miami Beach, is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: To set up an interview with Reverend Ken Doka or for more information regarding the tape series or the teleconference, contact Program Assistant at Hospice Foundation of America, 1-800-854-3402

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Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

October 24, 1997

MODERN-DAY CLERGY DO MORE THAN PREACH:
GRIEF COUNSELING NEWEST JOB DESCRIPTION

Hospice Foundation of America Uses Audio Tape Series to Train Clergy in Bereavement Counseling Issues

Washington D.C. -- America's clergy officiate at more than 2,500,000 funerals a year. While they are trained to conduct religious ceremonies, many realize the need for additional training to deal with bereavement issues.

A blind survey, conducted by the Hospice Foundation of America, found that while some of the most influential theological schools in the nation recognize the need for counseling, they only offer the subject in the context of other course work. As society continues to embrace the necessity of healthy grieving and struggles with end-of-life issues, course additions or supplemental programs specific to bereavement are necessary.

"Over the years, the role of clergy has changed," said Reverend Kenneth Doka, PhD, practicing minister and senior consultant for Hospice Foundation of America. "Until recently, theological students were trained to be theologians, not counselors. Traditional family structures encouraged familial support systems during traumatic personal losses. However, with the stresses placed on today's family, more people are expecting clergy to fill the role of counselor during times of illness and bereavement."

Leading experts in the bereavement field identified the need for non-denominational education tools to equip today's clergy to grapple with grief issues. Invited by the Hospice Foundation of America, authorities like Doka, Rabbi Earl Grollman, Rev. Paul Irion, Dr. Therese A. Rando and Rev. Anita Bradshaw host a new educational resource called "Clergy to Clergy: Helping You Minister To Those Confronting Illness, Death and Grief."

Clergy to Clergy is an educational audio cassette series addressing 12 critical topics ranging from counseling children to funeral rituals. Clergy or laypeople can order the tape series by calling 1-800-854-3402 or by visiting the Hospice Foundation of America web site.

"Clergy play an important role in hospice care by providing spiritual guidance to the dying and their families," said Jack Gordon, president of the Hospice Foundation of America. "The Hospice Foundation of America has developed a supplemental training program to help clergy take care of themselves while supporting the terminally ill, as well as congregation and community members who are dealing with tragic losses." [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

The Hospice Foundation of America, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Miami, is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.

Editor's note: Media wishing to receive sample tapes should contact: Program Assistant at Hospice Foundation of America, 1-800-854-3402

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402

Oct. 6, 1997

NEW AUDIO CASSETTE SERIES EDUCATES CLERGY
ON GRIEF COUNSELING

Hospice Foundation of America Launches Audio Tapes at
Yale Divinity School Seminar, Nov. 5th

Washington, D.C. -- The Hospice Foundation of America is introducing a new resource for clergy and other professionals who minister to the dying and their families. Available this November is a series of educational audio tapes called "Clergy to Clergy: Helping You Minister To Those Confronting Illness, Death and Grief." The tapes will be introduced at a bereavement seminar sponsored by the Yale and Berkeley Divinity Schools in NeHaven, Conn. The tapes will address 12 critical topics ranging from mourning children to funeral rituals.

The "Clergy to Clergy" series features discussions led by some of the foremost experts in the field of bereavement counseling: Rev. Kenneth Doka, Rabbi Earl Grollman, Rev. Paul Irion, Dr. Therese A. Rando and moderator Rev. Anita Bradshaw. "With overwhelming daily demands placed upon them, most clergy members do not have the time or energy to pursue extensive continuing education," said Jack Gordon, president of the Hospice Foundation of America. The "Clergy to Clergy" audio series is a resource every religious advisor can utilize because it features practical ways to deal with difficult issues involved in ministering to families suffering from grief and loss." [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]

Topics in the series include: What is Grief?, Coping with Loss, Counseling Those with Life-Threatening Illness, Counseling the Bereaved, The Funeral Ritual: Empowering Healing, Your Faith Community as a Source for Support, When a Child Dies, Helping Children Cope with Loss, Facing Illness as a Family, Facing Grief as a Family, Complicated Grief (AIDS, Sudden Loss), and Caring for Yourself.

Two of the sessions, What is Grief? and Coping with Loss, are designed for clergy to share with congregation members.

The six-cassette series includes a reference guide outlining tape content, as well as a list of reference materials, national organizations, and web site resources on the topic.

The non-denominational series is slated to be launched at the Yale/Berkeley continuing education seminar Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. The events featured speakers are Rev. Kenneth Doka and Rabbi Earl Grollman. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss topics from the "Clergy to Clergy" series in detail with fellow clergy members and hospice chaplains.

To register for the conference or to order the audio series, call the Hospice Foundation of America at 1-800-854-3402 or visit the foundation's web site at www.hospicefoundation.org. Tapes sell for $20 including shipping and handling; discounts are available for bulk purchases. This price reflects the Hospice Foundation of America's policy of providing low cost resources.

The Hospice Foundation of America, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Miami, is a non-profit, grassroots foundation dedicated to providing leadership in the application of hospice principles, informing the public about end-of-life care, and training health care workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.

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Editor's note: Media wishing to receive sample tapes should call or email Program Assistant at Hospice Foundation of America, 1-800-854-3402

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