Hospice Foundation of America E-Newsletter
December 2003
Hospice Foundation of America E-Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 12
December 2003
------------------------------------------------------------
Message from David Abrams, President
------------------------------------------------------------
This month we present the last of our 2003 interviews-a timely and interesting conversation with Bill Colby. Colby is the lawyer who represented the family of Nancy Cruzan; the Cruzan case is the first so-called right-to-die case ever heard by the United States Supreme Court. In the interview, Colby makes the profound observation that talking about how you wish to be cared for at the end of your life "is a gift to those you love." This time of year, when families are gathering together, presents an excellent opportunity to talk about these difficult matters. It might feel awkward to begin this kind of conversation, but you could be surprised to find that loved ones will welcome the chance to talk about it, because it's on most everyone's mind.
These conversations do not only need to happen with family and loved ones, but with anyone who might be involved in caregiving. At HFA we emphasized the importance of advanced directives during our clergy education program conducted on behalf of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and we're going to continue to spread the word to all professionals who work with terminally ill people and those who love them.
------------------------------------------------------------
Focus on: Interview with Bill Colby
------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Colby has written a book, "Long Goodbye: The Deaths of Nancy Cruzan," about his experiences. We talked with Colby about lessons learned from the Cruzan case, particularly in the light of the situation with the Schiavo case in Florida, as well as other important issues surrounding end-of-life decision making. As Colby astutely points out, "People lose track of how limited the options become at the end of life." Yet he has also seen first hand how discussing these options with your loved ones, and signifying a person to make decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so, can be a great gift to both family and the professionals caring for you. Read the full interview.
------------------------------------------------------------
What's New @ HFA
------------------------------------------------------------
Hospice College of America, in conjunction with
Hospice Foundation of America, offers a collection of
home study courses for professionals based on the
award-winning HFA Living With Grief® teleconference
series. HFA's 2003 teleconference, "Living With Grief:
Coping With Public Tragedy," is now available as a
home study course. The program is approved for three
(3) hours of continuing education. Courses contain a 2
˝ hour videotape of HFA's annual teleconference
broadcast, a copy of HFA's Living With Grief companion
textbook of articles, learning objectives, panel
information and a participant evaluation. At only $50
per course (just about the cost of the video and book
alone) this is an economical and convenient way to
earn continuing education hours at home and add
valuable resources to your professional library.
http://www.hospicecollegeofamerica.org
------------------------------------------------------------
In the News
------------------------------------------------------------
Syndicated Columnist Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. recently wrote a column on the value of hospice for the Tribune Newspapers. Cohen is a pharmacist who provides simple answers to complex health questions regarding medications, vitamins, herbs and much more. Her column reaches about 24 million readers weekly.
------------------------------------------------------------
Site Coordinator's Corner
------------------------------------------------------------
Registered Site Coordinators, please note: The Site Coordinator's Manual and Media Kit are now posted on HFA's website at the password-protected Site Coordinator section. To access these documents, please refer to your registration confirmation letter for user i.d. and password. The manual and media kit are invaluable resources for helping you plan and promote the teleconference in your community. The online Site Coordinator's Manual also includes an order form for the teleconference companion book.
Need more information about hosting a site for the teleconference? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section.
For those who are considering hosting a site but are having trouble locating a satellite to pull down the broadcast, Adventist Communication Network (ACN) will be carrying the teleconference live over their network of 1,300 satellite locations across the country. Many ACN facilities are willing to open their doors to local community groups who wish to host the teleconference. For more information about ACN, contact them at 800-226-1119.
------------------------------------------------------------
F.Y.I.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Center for the Advancement of Health has released the findings of a three-year study, A Report on Bereavement and Grief Research. Funded by a grant from the Project on Death in America, the project examined the field of grief and bereavement with the ultimate goal of improving the care provided to grieving people. Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, HFA's Bereavement Consultant, was a member of the scientific advisory committee contributing to this project. The comprehensive report may be downloaded.
------------------------------------------------------------
This newsletter is sent to more than 6,700 subscribers
on the 2nd Wednesday
of every month keep you informed of what is happening in the fields of hospice, grief and bereavement, and
caregiving, as well as what's new at HFA. We encourage you to forward this e-newsletter to an interested colleague or
friend.
Privacy Statement: In no case will we share e-mail addresses. Read the full text of HFA's Privacy Policy.
This newsletter is published by Hospice Foundation of America
Jack D. Gordon, Chairman
David Abrams, President http://www.hospicefoundation.org
© Hospice Foundation of America 2003
Go to the E-Newsletter Archives.
