Cancer and End-of-Life Care Initiative Announced

Hospice Foundation of America's Year 2010 Initiative, Cancer and End-of-Life Care, will feature our 17^th annual teleconference, to be broadcast on March 24, 2010. The program, shown at 1,000 sites in the United States and Canada, will address care options related to cancer diagnoses as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families and professional caregivers. The teleconference will also examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease. Moderated by Frank Sesno, the panel will include:

• Yvette Colon, PhD, MSW, Director of Education and Support, American Pain Foundation;


• Malene Davis, CHPN, MBA, President and CEO, Capital Hospice;


• Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, College of New Rochelle and Senior Consultant, HFA;


• Richard Payne, MD, Director, Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life;


• Sherry Schachter, PhD, FT, Director of Bereavement Services Calvary Hospital/Hospice;


• Brad Stuart, MD, Senior Medical Director, Sutter VNA & Hospice.

Each year, HFA produces a national teleconference, highlighting a different area of interest to health care professionals and other caregivers. This award-winning educational program is a live-via-satellite televised broadcast which is simultaneously "downlinked" to satellite dishes all over the country. In addition, an on-site session is part of the total teleconference program, providing opportunities for professional collaboration and peer support and networking. Many organizations co-host sites with other area groups to share resources, broaden audiences, and help develop a strong community network that otherwise might not exist. Three hours of Continuing Education Unit credits are available for a wide range of professions, including nurses, social workers, physicians, psychologists, licensed counselors, nursing home administrators, clergy, EMS personnel, EAP professionals, and funeral directors. Registration to host a site will open September 1.