Literature Review

NPHI CEO Tom Koutsoumpas: Modernize hospice benefit for value-based future Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/10/25 The health care realm is changing, and hospices must change with it. This is the central thesis that underlies the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, which is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of its founding. NPHI seeks to put nonprofit hospice organizations at the forefront of innovation, the development of new care and payment models and collective action to expand access and prepare for a value-based future. The organization currently has more than 120 members, all nonprofits, who collectively care for more than 580,000 patients.The health care realm is changing, and hospices must change with it. This is the central thesis that underlies the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, which is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of its founding. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]

Mahogany CEO: Hospice on cusp of ‘tremendous revolution’Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/7/25 Mahogany Home Health and Hospice recently launched services in southwestern Ohio. The new hospice startup is the first Black-owned hospice and home health organization statewide with a drive to improve utilization among underserved populations. This is according to Victor Couzens, owner, founder and CEO of Mahogany Home Health and Hospice. The organization recently received a green light from state licensing agencies to begin serving Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio and surrounding communities. ... Couzens recently told Hospice News, ... "As a hospice chaplain, I was often confronted with the pressure of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole when it comes to how underserved communities are actually reached and cared for. It’s about offering insights, or even evidence-based approaches, to meeting the needs of Black and brown people, the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, the needs of immigrants and just any other groups who do not make up the majority of the patient population. ..."

Annual pancake supper raises 6k for United Hospice ServiceThumbnet.net; by Chambray Anaman; 3/5/25 The Bown City Interact Club proudly presented a check for $6,200 to United Hospice Service of Aspire Rural Health System following the success of their 35th Annual Hospice Pancake Supper. The event, held in partnership with the Brown City Rotary Club, welcomed approximately 200 attendees, all coming together in support of compassionate end-of-life care.

What's driving change in end-of-life care for February 2025 Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 3/5/25 In this episode, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, PhD—Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO/Founder of Hospice Analytics—unpack the latest trends shaping end-of-life care in America.  Drawing on extensive experience and data-driven insights, they spotlight key Hospice headlines, research, and podcasts influencing the Hospice sector.  … Plus, Cordt delivers a masterclass on Hospice technology, offering practical tools and strategies to enhance care delivery.

Duke Health, Novant to partner Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Madeline Ashley; 3/4/25 Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Health System and Charlotte, N.C.-based Novant Health have shared plans to partner and build new campuses across the state to expand care. Under the partnership, clinicians from both systems will offer services in new locations to increase primary care and advanced specialty treatment access. The partnership also aims to reduce wait times, create more appointment availability and increase virtual access to specialists, according to a March 3 news release shared with Becker's. 

[UK] 'Rising costs mean difficult decisions' - hospices BBC News, Somerset, UK; by Bea Swallow; 3/1/25 Hospice charities have warned "difficult decisions" could be on the horizon unless changes are made to "restrictive" government funding. On Wednesday, the government announced the release of £25 million for hospices across England, but this is reserved for facility upgrades and refurbishments only. ... Facing a "significant rise" in demand and costs, hospices across the country have been rallying for a more sustainable, long-term funding solution for the sector. ... Penny Agent, chief operating officer for Dorothy House, said unless it received support with staffing costs, it would have no choice but to cut back on services. 

'Dear God, I need help on this one': How a prayer from Hildegard House's founder was answered ABC News WHAS-11, Louisville, KY; by Doug Proffitt; 2/27/25 Up from the dirt of an 1800's camelback style house on Story Avenue, in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood, Karen Cassidy has a plan. "We’re standing on the original dirt floor of the house, that’s the way they built things," she said. She's the former nurse who founded the Hildegard House 11 years ago. Hildegard is a place for the terminally ill to die in peace. With three private bedrooms and around the clock care, it’s a peaceful haven for people who have no home, or loved ones to care for them, so that they may die with dignity.  ... It is funded successfully and solely by both private donations and foundations. Now, in the new space, the plan is to build a refuge called the "Center for Care Giver Education" at the Story Avenue location. “This is for caregivers that are at home trying to maintain their loved ones at home," Cassidy said. ... At the new center they will teach families the basics. ... The owners of the historic Story Avenue house helped by cutting her a deal. She says they told her they would sell it to her $100,000 less than what they put it on the market for. Donations from foundations helped her buy the house with cash. But then, she got estimates for the renovation and restoration totaling $450,000. “I said 'dear God, I need help on this one,'” Cassidy said. Then God, from that prayer, appeared in a most modern way. ... “Two weeks later I got an email from an attorney who said, ‘Can you meet me for lunch? Somebody has left their estate to Hildegard House,'" she told WHAS11 News. "It was $450,000. That did it!” The out-of-the-heavens donation means they are funding the renovation, top to bottom with cash. Nothing will be owed. Cassidy later learned why that money came her way. “We had cared for someone’s mother and they were so grateful,” she said. Editor's note: I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Hildegard House. I continue to be amazed at the profound care and superb systems envisioned, implemented and moved forward by Karen Cassidy, her staff, 80+ volunteers, the Board, and community support.

Hospice of the Piedmont offers discount book, conversation starters for family and friends Augusta Free Press, Waynesboro, VA; by Crystal Graham; 2/26/25 Hospice of the Piedmont has your ticket to discounts at restaurants, theaters, wineries and breweries as well as advice for starting a meaningful conversation with loved ones. ... The printed coupon book offers buy-one-get-one-free entrees, free theater tickets and half price wine tastings. It also includes thoughtful conversation starters designed to spark meaningful discussions with family and friends about life and its final journey. “So much of life happens around the dinner table, at a winery with friends or on a night out at the theater,” said Jenn Downs, chief marketing and development officer at HOP. “We wanted to give people a way to enjoy those experiences while encouraging people to have the kinds of conversations that truly matter.” Editor's note: Applause to Hospice of the Piedmont for this creative, engaging integration of community partnerships (with restaurants, theaters, etc.), hospice fund-raising, and catalyst for meaningful, potentially life-changing dialogues.

The journey to elite leadership  with Mike Harbour Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 2/26/25 In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership podcast, Chris Comeaux and Mike Harbour explore the themes of leadership, personal growth, and the essence of elite leadership.  Mike shares his insights on perseverance, self-mastery, and evaluating experiences to foster growth.  They discuss the concept of elite leadership, emphasizing the need for integrity, vision, and empowerment in leadership roles. The conversation culminates in practical advice for aspiring leaders on developing traits contributing to elite leadership.  Then, it highlights Mike’s unique upcoming Elite Leadership Summit in Colorado in April, which aims to foster growth and connection among leaders in a unique and picturesque setting. Join us; many leadership pearls of wisdom are packed into this episode. 

Valentine’s Day Raffle results show love in action myMotherLode.com, Jackson, CA; by Tracey Peterson; 2/25/25 Hospice of Amador and Calaveras took advantage of the Valentine’s Day holiday to raise money to support its mission of compassionate end-of-life care. The non-profit charity held a “Take a Chance on Love” Valentine’s Day raffle and hauled in more than $13,000 due to the generosity of community members and organizations, which has ensured that everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, can access vital hospice services, shared hospice officials. “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received for our Valentine’s Day raffle,” said Samantha Lukow, Executive Director. “The funds raised will directly impact our ability to provide free, high-quality end-of-life care to those in need within our community. This remarkable achievement truly reflects the compassionate spirit of Amador and Calaveras counties.”

[UK Hospice Fundraiser] Over 5,000 Christmas trees recycled to help local parks Manchester News, United Kingdom; by Manchester City Council; 2/26/25... In partnership with local charity Just Helping, who fundraise for Francis House hospice, the We Love Manchester charity and St Ann’s hospice, we raised £117, 675 for local hospices and charities as well as saved a an estimated 84, 944kg on CO2 emissions.  Editor's note: This recycling Christmas trees fundraiser is a popular community engagement fundraiser for many hospices. The work is done mainly by volunteers. Articles we posted this past season include the following:

Baber Hospice Home to close The Messenger, Fort Dodge, IA; by Bill Shea; 2/26/25 The Paula J. Baber Hospice Home will close at the end of next month, but UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge will continue providing hospice care to patients in their own homes and in long term care facilities. “This is not the end of hospice care,” said Leah Glasgo, the president of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge. She said the decision to close the home was driven by the fact that most hospice patients are now cared for in their homes or in long term care facilities. “We are committed to meeting patients where they want to be and they want to be at home,” she said. As the number of hospice patients being served at home or in care facilities grew, the number of those patients in the Baber home dropped.

Hospice provider Navian Hawaii receives $4.3M gift from Weinman Foundation Pacific Business News; by Janis Magin; 2/25/25 Navian Hawaii formerly known as Hospice Hawaii has received a $4.3 million gift from the Weinman Foundation that the Honolulu based nonprofit is calling transformational. The donation from the foundation founded by the late Barrie and Virginia Weinman will allow Navian Hawaii to expand its residential care services ... [Access to the full article is behind a paywall.]Editor's note: Congratulations to Navian Hawaii for this significant--yes--"transformation" gift.