HFA Press Releases - 2000
Hospice Foundation of America 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 healthcare workers and the families they serve in issues related to loss.
Current Releases | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | pre-1999
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
- December 7, 2000
--Experts Offer Advice for Helping Young People Cope with Loss
New Resource Available at Hospice Foundation of America’s Website - November 16, 2000
--Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses - November 1, 2000
--Hospice Foundation of America Salutes Volunteers During National Hospice Month - October 5, 2000
-- HOSPICE AND THE MILITARY FAMILY
Hospice Foundation of America Publishes Brochure on TRICARE Hospice Benefit - September 29, 2000
-- Hospice Foundation of America Offers New Resource to Help Those Struggling with Grief During the Holidays July 24, 2000
-- Hospice Foundation of America’s New Resource To Assist Young People -- Special Issue of HFA’s Bereavement Newsletter, JOURNEYS- May 26, 2000
-- Hospice Foundation of America Announces New Appointments - January 14, 2000
-- Plans are underway for HFA’s Seventh National Bereavement Teleconference: Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss"
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
December 7, 2000
Experts
Offer Advice for Helping Young People Cope with Loss
New Resource Available at Hospice Foundation of America’s Website
Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America’s initiative for the year 2000 has focused on helping children and adolescents cope with loss, grief and bereavement. This was the theme of HFA’s annual teleconference, “Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss.” During this live-via-satellite, televised broadcast, HFA received hundreds of call-in questions from viewers across the country. Representative questions, reflecting many common concerns about young people and loss, have been posted on HFA’s Website.
Answering these questions are noted authorities, Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, Charles Corr, PhD, and Kenneth Doka, PhD. This new resource offers insight and practical advice to anyone concerned with helping young people cope with loss. Parents, teachers, school administrators, healthcare professionals, and others will find this information valuable. Posted in the “Children, Adolescents, and Loss,” section of HFA’s Website, Questions/Answers.
Additional resources include HFA’s books, “Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss,” “Living With Grief: At Work, At School, At Worship,” teleconference videotapes, a series of brochures, and special issues of HFA’s bereavement newsletter, “Journeys.”
For more information visit HFA’s Website or call HFA at 1-800-854-3402.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
November 16, 2000
REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA'S TH ANNUAL LIVING WITH GRIEF TELECONFERENCE
"CAREGIVING AND LOSS: FAMILY NEEDS, PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES "
Registration has begun for Hospice Foundation of America’s Annual Living With Grief Teleconference, Caregiving and Loss: Family Needs, Professional Responses, which will be broadcast on Wednesday, April 18, 2001 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm EDT. This live-via-satellite video broadcast will offer insight and practical suggestions for those assisting family caregivers as they respond to the challenges of caregiving, make critical end-of-life decisions, and cope with their grief.
“It is estimated that there are more than 25 million family caregivers in this country providing 80% of home care services. In many cases this valuable work is unrecognized,” commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman of the Hospice Foundation of America. “Caregiving is especially challenging for those coping with terminal illness and facing end-of-life decisions. It’s important for healthcare professionals to understand the unique needs of family caregivers and assist them in ways that will provide support.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
More than 400 organizations have already registered to bring this educational, public-service program to their communities. Each year this award-winning teleconference is seen in more than 2,000 communities across North America, reaching an estimated live audience of 150,000 people.
The program will be moderated by Cokie Roberts of ABC News and will feature a special message from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The panel will include Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, Lutheran minister and professor of gerontology at the College of New Rochelle; Bernice Catherine Harper, MSW, Medical Care Advisor of the Health Care Financing Administration; Carol Levine, MA, Director of the Families and Health Care Project of the United Hospital Fund; Susan Reinhard, RN, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Education, Institute for the Future of Aging Services; and Myrl Weinberg, CAE, President of the National Health Council.
The teleconference is produced by Hospice Foundation of America, a non-profit organization that works to educate healthcare professionals and the families they serve in issues relating to terminal illness, grief and bereavement. The program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Foundation for End of Life Care, the Project on Death in America of the Open Society Institute, and in cooperation with the Association for Death Education and Counseling and The Compassionate Friends and the National Health Council.
Three hours of continuing education credit are available for a wide range of professionals including nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors, clergy, nursing home administrators, psychologists, EMS personnel, funeral directors, and employee assistance professionals.
For more information on hosting a teleconference site for your organization or community, or to find out about existing teleconference sites, please contact Hospice Foundation of America at 1-800-854-3402. Additional information is also available on the HFA Web site at: www.hospicefoundation.org.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
November 1, 2000
Hospice Foundation of America Salutes Volunteers During National Hospice Month
Washington, DC: Most of us have to deal with terminal illness and death only occasionally, and we are rarely prepared for the emotional drain that comes with the ordeal. Yet, when a friend or family member gets sick, friendship may be the most precious gift we can give. Often friends are not there when a terminally ill person wants and needs support the most.
“People struggling with terminal illness often find themselves wondering where their friends have gone,” commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman of HFA. “Old friends are often afraid to visit someone who is dying out of fear of saying or doing something wrong. Hospice volunteers provide support and make an incredible difference to the families they serve.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
By caring for and being present for dying people, hospice helps people live fully until they die, without fear of pain or of dying alone without dignity or control. Hospice care is a comprehensive team-oriented program of care that brings support and comfort to the terminally ill and their families at home or in a home-like setting. This allows the patient, family, and significant others to focus on maintaining quality of life.
The 96,000 hospice volunteers at work in hospices throughout the U.S. are an essential part of the hospice philosophy and they contribute more than 5 million hours a year to hospice care. They are special people who make a difference in the lives of those in need, make a valuable contribution to the community, and enhance their own well being.
While hospice needs vary, there are a wide range of volunteer opportunities that include care for patients, respite and support for family members, administrative work in the hospice office, and involvement with fund raising activities. Potential volunteers are carefully screened and hospices have required orientation sessions and training classes. Hospices want to ensure that all volunteers are comfortable with loss issues and are coming to hospice to serve others.
November is National Hospice Month and Hospice Foundation of America honors all those hospice volunteers who make such valuable contributions to their communities. These important people understand that helping the terminally ill through hospice is not about dying but about living.
For more information or a complimentary copy of HFA’s brochure, “Volunteering in Hospice,” contact Hospice Foundation of America at 1-800-854-3402, http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
October 5, 2000
HOSPICE AND THE MILITARY FAMILY
Hospice Foundation of America Publishes Brochure on TRICARE Hospice Benefit
Washington, DC. The Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) is pleased to announce the publication of “Hospice Care and the Military Family: A Guide to the TRICARE Hospice Benefit”. Updated and redesigned, the brochure reflects HFA’s ongoing commitment to provide accurate and timely information about hospice and bereavement services to members of the armed forces and to their families.
“Hospice and the Military Family” was first published in 1993 following the implementation of the military’s hospice benefit under CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services). Replacing CHAMPUS in 1995, TRICARE is the medical program for active duty, qualified family members, eligible retirees and their family members and survivors under age 65.
Thoughtfully written, the attractive four-fold brochure provides an overview of the TRICARE hospice benefit, a program identical to the Medicare hospice benefit that offers comprehensive services for patients with a complex, serious illness and limited life expectancy of generally six months or less. Intended for beneficiaries and providers alike, the pamphlet also describes hospice services, includes definitions of TRICARE terms, and provides contact information for the 12 national TRICARE regions and Puerto Rico.
“We want to get copies of the brochure into the hands of as many TRICARE contractors, military hospitals and clinics, hospice providers, and military personnel as we can,” states HFA president, David Abrams. “Hospice care is vastly underutilized in the United States because people simply don’t know about it. This brochure can help to change that.”
Individual copies of “Hospice and the Military Family” are available free of charge by writing HFA at 1621 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009 or calling 1-800-854-3402. You can access the brochure here.
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Hospice Foundation of America is a not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care. Through programs of professional development, research, public education and information, HFA assists those who cope either personally or professionally with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief. HFA is a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign as a member organization of Health Charities of America.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
September 29, 2000
Hospice
Foundation of America Offers New Resource
to Help Those Struggling with Grief During the Holidays
Washington, DC – Hospice Foundation of America announces the release of a special edition of their bereavement newsletter, Journeys. The new Holiday Issue examines some of the challenges those dealing with grief and bereavement must cope with as they face the stress that can accompany the holidays.
“To many people, the holidays are a joyous period marked by festive celebrations, a time spent with family and friends, a time to look ahead with excitement to the coming new year,” commented Kenneth Doka, PhD, Senior Consultant to HFA. “For those struggling with the death of a loved one, the holidays are a difficult time full of painful reminders that magnify their sense of loss.”
Articles offering support include, “3 C’s of Coping With the Holidays,” by Doka, which discusses the importance of choice, communication, and compromise. Ellen Zinner’s article, “Helpful Holiday Hints,” offers practical advice, and Rev. Paul Irion writes about the spiritual value of reminiscing as part of holiday celebrations.
Journeys is a monthly bereavement newsletter designed to assist those who are coping with the death of a loved one. With a monthly circulation of 40,000, numerous hospices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and funeral homes use Journeys to address the bereavement needs of the families they support. Journeys is also read each month by a significant number of individual subscribers.
“Each year we receive many requests for information to help those during the holidays who are feeling overwhelmed by the season,” commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman & CEO of HFA. “People are often very uncomfortable focusing on their grief at what is supposed to be such a happy time, so the feelings of loss they are experiencing tend to be intensified.” Journeys is a way to offer insight and support to those in need. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Other special issues of Journeys are intended for the Newly Bereaved, those marking the Anniversary of a Loss, a special issue for Adolescents written by young people, and the recently published Helping Young People edition which provides insight to those assisting children and adolescents with issues relating to loss.
Individuals who wish to receive a free copy of the special Holiday Issue of Journeys can contact HFA or send a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope to:
For more information on Journeys, HFA and available resources, please contact Program Assistant at 1-800-854-3402 or see Journeys online.
Contact:
Program Assistant
1-800-854-3402
July 24, 2000
Hospice Foundation of America’s New Resource To Assist Young People Special Issue of HFA’s Bereavement Newsletter, JOURNEYS focuses on helping young people cope with loss and grief
Washington, DC – Hospice Foundation of America announces the release of "Helping Young People," a special issue of their bereavement newsletter, JOURNEYS. This new issue offers advice to those assisting children and adolescents who are coping with loss and grief. "Helping Young People" joins the recently published "Adolescent Issue," which contains articles written for adolescents by their peers.
These new special issues of JOURNEYS are part of HFA’s initiative for the year 2000, Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss. For the past six months HFA has been exploring the range of losses young people experience and working to help people develop a greater understanding of how these losses can affect youth.
"Children may or may not face the death of a loved one, but they will eventually deal with losses due to relocation, separation, illness, break-ups, or other events where they experience some of the emotions or reactions tied to grief," commented Jack D. Gordon, Chairman & CEO of HFA. "It’s important for adults to take advantage of resources which will help them address the needs of young people coping with loss." [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Teachers, counselors, healthcare professionals as well as parents will find useful information in this special issue of JOURNEYS. With articles by Nancy Boyd Webb, Charles Corr, and Kenneth Doka, this issue provides insight into the ways young people respond to situations of loss.
Articles include, "Four R’s for Grieving Children," "Helping A Child Deal With Death," "Helping Adolescents Cope," and "Eight Myths About Children, Adolescents, and Loss." Advice on using books to help young people cope with death is also included.
JOURNEYS is a monthly bereavement newsletter designed to assist those who are coping with the death of a loved one. With a monthly circulation of 40,000, numerous hospices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and funeral homes use JOURNEYS as part of their client bereavement programs. Many individuals also subscribe to JOURNEYS. Other special issues of JOURNEYS are intended for the Newly Bereaved and those marking the Anniversary of a loss.
Additional resources include the video of HFA’s teleconference, Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss, moderated by Cokie Roberts of ABC News. The original broadcast was seen by more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities across the country on April 26, 2000. Also available is HFA’s book of articles featuring 19 essays by leading educators and clinicians in the field, the writings of young people, a resource guide, and bibliography. 30,000 copies of this book have already been sold and distributed since its release last March.
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For more information on HFA and available resources, contact Jon Radulovic at 1-800-854-3402 or visit HFA at: www.hospicefoundation.org
Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402
May 26, 2000
Hospice Foundation of America Announces New Appointments
Washington, DC – The Board of Directors of Hospice Foundation of America are
pleased to announce the promotion of David Abrams to the position of President and Chief
Operating Officer. Jack D. Gordon, past President of HFA, will retain the position of
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The official announcement was made following
HFA’s semi-annual board meeting on May 11, 2000.
These appointments will allow Abrams and Gordon to continue their work together to promote the goals and mission of Hospice Foundation of America. HFA, with offices in Washington, DC and Miami Beach, FL, 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.
Gordon, who has been President of HFA since 1990, commented, "This is a change that makes official the working relationship David and I have been forging together for quite some time." Abrams, who has been working closely with Gordon at HFA since 1990, has been serving as Senior Vice President since 1995.
"This arrangement will not only allow us to continue with the important programs which we have developed over the years but will also give us the opportunity to explore new projects," remarked Abrams, who also assumes a seat on HFA’s Board in his new position. The Directors also elected three additional board members: Myra MacPherson, Priscilla Perry, and Patricia Spulak.
[Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
For additional information regarding HFA and available resources, please contact Program Assistant at 1-800-854-3402, or visit HFA’s website at: http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
Contact:
Program Assistant
at Hospice Foundation of America
1-800-854-3402
January 14, 2000
Plans are underway for Hospice Foundation of America’s
Seventh National Bereavement Teleconference:
"LIVING WITH GRIEF: CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND LOSS"
HFA’s initiative to help children and adolescents cope with loss
begins
The Hospice Foundation of America’s seventh annual National Bereavement Teleconference, Living with Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss, will be broadcast live-via-satellite on Wednesday, April 26, 2000, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm EDT. Registration of organizations hosting this video broadcast has begun with nearly 1,000 registered sites across North America. Last year, the teleconference was seen in more than 2,400 communities across the country, reaching an audience of 150,000.
The teleconference will examine the ways that children and adolescents respond to loss and will offer practical advice that can be used to help them develop useful coping skills.
Moderated by Cokie Roberts of ABC News, this award winning program will feature a panel of distinguished experts: Nancy Boyd Webb, Charles Corr, Kenneth Doka, Margarita Suarez, Betsy Wendt, and Dottie Ward-Wimmer.
Support materials include HFA’s newest publication Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss. This book, available in March, contains eighteen articles, the perspectives of young people, a resource guide and bibliography. HFA will also publish a special issue of their bereavement newsletter, Journeys, written for adolescents by adolescents. "It’s important to hear the voices of young people as we explore this topic," commented Jack D. Gordon, President of HFA. [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
"Rarely do we consider the range of losses that children and adolescents experience," noted Gordon, "Whether they are grieving the death of a parent or grandparent, or they must face the loss involved in re-locating, divorce, or other traumatic incidents, children and adolescents often do not know how to cope."
The teleconference is sponsored by the Project on Death in America of the Open Society Institute, the Veterans Health Administration Office of Information, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Foundation For End of Life Care and in cooperation with Annenberg/CPB, funders of "Death: A Personal Understanding," John Hancock, and the Association for Death Education & Counseling.
This year’s teleconference broadcast falls within days of the first anniversary of the Columbine High School tragedy, a time when the effects of grief and loss on young people are likely to be discussed on a national level. Parents, teachers and school administrators will all develop a greater understanding of the ways young people respond to loss.
Continuing education hours are available for a wide variety of professions making this program particularly beneficial to counselors, social workers and others professionals working with young people.
More information on the teleconference, available resources, continuing education opportunities and information on hosting the teleconference for local communities is available by contacting HFA or visiting their Web site at: http://www.hospicefoundation.org.
