Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association received the Trailblazer Award from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at its annual Council of States meeting held in Washington, D.C. on July 19. The NHPCO Trailblazer Award recognizes state organizations demonstrating high levels of excellence, innovation and leadership that expand access to hospice and palliative care, promote quality, and increase awareness.
In 2014, FHPCA established a research and development committee of its board, comprised of board members, hospice program staff, interested affiliate members and association staff. During the fall of 2015, the committee decided to offer grants to member programs that would support research projects reflecting key goals of the organization. The first grant award was made in spring of 2016 and FHPCA reports positive findings from this initial grant funded project. These efforts will continue to strengthen the partnership with hospice providers in Florida and engage affiliate members across the country.
“FHPCA members have long-conducted research to improve quality and access, so our grant program is intended to create a culture of sharing that research through the state. We are pleased our efforts have been successful and that other providers will benefit from the research projects we’ve been able to support,” said Paul Ledford, president and CEO of FHPCA, at the award presentation.
FHPCA has a new goal to increase the number of grants awarded by 300 percent in the next three years.
Established in 1982, FHPCA was formed to be a unified voice for hospice programs in Florida. FHPCA strives to assure excellence in, and expand access to, hospice and palliative care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life. Learn more at www.floridahospices.org.
