Demystifying the End: Hospice care impact on the Black community

Demystifying the End: Hospice care impact on the Black community 
Defender; by Laura Onyeneho; 4/22/25 
Monica James has seen firsthand the confusion and emotional strain families face when end-of-life care isn’t discussed early enough. She works for the non-profit organization Houston Hospice as the Community Engagement Coordinator, serving 13 counties across Southeast Texas. ... According to data collected by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Black Americans on Medicare seek hospice and palliative treatment 13% less than their white counterparts. For African American, Afro-Caribbean and African immigrant families, generational trauma and a lack of trust in the healthcare system often lead to delayed decisions about hospice care. “There’s been a historical gap in access and trust,” said James. “Our goal is to show up consistently, to listen and to let these communities know they have options and that they’re not alone.”