Hospice Foundation of America Appoints Former Florida Legislator to Governing Board

Washington, DC, October 20— Michael Abrams, a former Florida state representative, will join the Board of Directors of Washington, DC-based Hospice Foundation of America, it was announced today. Abrams is a partner with Florida-based Ballard Partners, a government affairs firm, where he serves as chair of its public policy team, concentrating on areas of health care policy and government affairs. Abrams’ appointment is effective November 1, 2014.
 

“Mike is a great addition to HFA’s leadership,” said Thomas J. Spulak, board chairman. “As one of the nation’s enduring end-of-life care resources, HFA has provided education to clinicians and information to the public for decades, and Mike’s health care policy expertise adds another dimension to our team.”

Abrams, who as a Florida state representative served North Miami Beach, spent more than a decade in the Florida House of Representatives where he served four consecutive years as chairman of the House Finance & Taxation Committee. During his legislative service, he was chair of the House Health Care Committee and the House & Rehabilitative Services Subcommittee on Appropriations. His additional leadership roles have included Deputy Majority Leader and chair of the Dade [County] delegation.

“Serving on the board of a national charity that focuses on the significance of good end-of-life care is important to me,” Abrams said. “Too many people understand very little about their health care options when a life-limiting illness strikes. I look forward to working with fellow board members and HFA’s staff to increase awareness and improve care for the terminally ill.”

Prior to joining Ballard Partners, Abrams co-chaired the Government Affairs & Public Policy practice at a large national law firm.

Abrams graduated cum laude from the University of Miami where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. During his time at the University of Miami, Abrams was President of Undergraduate Student Government. He currently serves on the university’s board of trustees. Abrams also serves as a board member of the Health and Medical Research Charities of America.
Hospice Foundation of America is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charity. Founded in 1983, HFA works to improve care for terminally ill patients by educating professionals and the public. It is well known for its award-winning Living with Grief® educational series, one of many programs that it provides to further awareness of various issues associated with clinical care for the dying and the bereaved.