HFA Press Releases
Contact:
Amy Tucci
, Program Officer
1-800-854-3402
HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
CLARIFIES HOSPICE ROLE IN SCHIAVO CASE
Washington, March 29—Hospice Foundation of America today released a web-based package of information on end-of-life care designed to clarify the role that hospice has had in the Schiavo case. Written with consumers and health care professionals in mind, the information is placed under a Schiavo information center on the HFA Website, www.hospicefoundation.org.
“Because the Schiavo story is unrolling at a hospice, many people have drawn incorrect conclusions about the role of hospice in this case. The mission of HFA is to advocate for hospice as an important care system at the end of life,” said Jack Gordon, HFA Chair and CEO. “Our website serves as the premier consumer source for end-of-life information.” [Note: Mr. Gordon served as Chairman and CEO of HFA until his death in 2005.]
Hospice offers the highest level of care for patients and families as the end of life draws near. Visitors to HFA’s website will learn that receiving hospice care is voluntary and that hospices stand prepared to treat all persons, without judgment and regardless of ability to pay.
HFA’s site clarifies misunderstandings and educates the public on Advance Directives, Living Wills, Do Not Resuscitate Orders and Health Care Proxies.
The site also offers information on the process of dying. Do people see white lights just before they die? Generally not true, says HFA. Is dying always painful? A myth, says HFA. These and other common misconceptions are addressed by HFA on its Schiavo center.
In addition, readers will find value-neutral information designed to cut through the clutter of misinformation generated by the Schiavo case.
“Hospice Foundation of America has built its reputation over 20 years as a source of unbiased, neutral and creative thinking in end-of-life care,” said Gordon, “and we are pleased to present resources that will be helpful to anyone, regardless of their position in this difficult case.”
Hospice Foundation of America will present Living With Grief®: Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life, a national, satellite video teleconference on April 20, 2005. Moderated by Cokie Roberts, NPR news analyst, and presented in cooperation with The Hastings Center, the program will explore ethical issues faced by the dying and their families. See www.hospicefoundation.org/teleconference for more information.
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The Hospice Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization, acts as an advocate for the hospice concept of care through ongoing programs of professional education, public information and research.
See also:
The Case of Terri Schiavo
- Why is Hospice Involved in
the Schiavo Case?
-HFA Position Paper
-Commentary MSNBC
-Statement by the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast (PDF) - What are the Clinical Issues?
-Withholding of Nutrition and Hydration
-Myths of Dying
-Myths of Pain
-Signs of Approaching Death - HFA Writings and Media Interviews on the Schiavo Case
- Schiavo Timeline
- Information on Living Wills and Advanced Directives
- HFA Resources
- Additional Resources
- The Schiavo Case Home