Regional Reports (USA)

For Immediate Release from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (USA):

July 24, 2006

NHPCO Opens Satellite Office at the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life

(Alexandria, Va) ­ With the goal of expanding the scope of community engagement efforts and deepening the relationship between organizations, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization proudly announces the opening of its first satellite office housed at the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, based at Duke University Divinity School in Durham, NC.

The creation of a satellite office housed at the Institute will enhance existing programs while increasing opportunities for future collaboration. Goals shared by the two organizations include outreach to faith communities, increasing public awareness of end-of-life issues, and the elimination of barriers to quality care at the end of life for underserved populations.

“NHPCO and the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life have a history of collaboration, and this new partnership represents a strengthening of the bond between our organizations,” said Richard Payne, MD, the Esther Colliflower Director of the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life.

NHPCO staff working out of Durham will focus on developing outreach strategies, creating educational resources, and strengthening community networks and coalitions. This work is part of Caring Connections, NHPCO’s consumer and community engagement initiative.

“Through partnership with the many distinguished scholars and experts at the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, our Caring Connections team will be able to enhance available resources and increase capacity,” remarked J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of NHPCO. “ North Carolina has long been at the center of end-of-life coalition activity in this country and we’re delighted with the opportunity this partnership will afford.”

The satellite office was opened by NHPCO staff members Gwynn Sullivan and Ashley Hammarth with support from staff of the Institute.

Contact:

Jon Radulovic
NHPCO, Vice President of Communications
Ph: 703/837-3139

The Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life is a multi-disciplinary effort that brings together academics and practitioners to create knowledge and uncover wisdom related to care for the dying, their families and their caregivers. The Institute emphasizes attention to the whole person and community, with a focus on the spiritual dimension of care. Visit www.iceol.duke.edu