World Hospice and Palliative Care Day began in 2005 as a unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. In 2006, more than 226 celebrations took place in over 60 countries. The theme for 2007 was “Across the ages—from children to older people,” which underscores the worldwide need for hospice and palliative care for people of all ages. Below, read how NHPCO members celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

Paul Metzler: the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice Care Program

When Paul Metzler first heard about Voices for Hospice, a global music marathon to celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day and thought it would be an important event to raise awareness about hospice and palliative care in New York City.

Paul is the Director of Community and Program Services for the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice Care program (VNSNY), the largest not-for-profit home health care agency in the United States. Paul moved to New York City two years ago but has been involved in hospice work for fourteen years. “One thing I noticed immediately is that hospice is still one of the best-kept secrets in New York City, with many people unaware of how hospice can help at end-of-life,” Paul says. “One of the most common statements we hear from our patients and families is, ‘I wish we had known about hospice sooner.’

The Voices for Hospice concert to celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is part of Paul’s vision to make hospice a common concept. Five hospices and several other organizations and individuals interested in palliative care are uniting to plan the Voices for Hospice concert. With this event, these hospices are come together for a common cause: getting the word out about hospice and palliative care. On October 6, 2007, they gathered at the Wintergarden space of the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NY Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital system to celebrate hospice and palliative care through singing and music.

The collaborative effort of these New York City hospices captures the spirit of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day around the globe. It is a day of unity for patients and families as well as providers. Paul adds, “The singing and music are as much for ourselves as anyone since they are so healing.”

Deanna Cochran:  Quality of Life Care, L.L.C. in Austin, Texas

At a NHPCO conference in San Diego in 2006, Deanna Cochran was struck by a desire to facilitate greater unity within the hospice community. As a result, she is planned a celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on October 6, 2007, in Austin, Texas to bring together several area hospices for a day of public education about palliative care, carried out Austin-style: with local music, local artists, and local food.

Deanna’s organization Quality of Life Care's mission is to provide information, resources and support to those serving people with life-limiting illness as well as patients and families. Deanna has seen the positive impact of hospice and palliative care in her own community of Austin, Texas, saying, “I have seen this city turn around with introducing palliative care into the hospitals.” However, many more people in the Austin area and around the globe are still unaware of the benefits and availability of hospice and palliative care services. For Deanna, celebrating World Hospice and Palliative Care Day aligns with her mission both to educate the public and to unify the hospice community.

Deanna is planned her World Hospice and Palliative Care Day celebration in harmony with the spirit of Austin. The all-day, outdoor event took place at Barton House, an assisted living facility in Austin, and included food from local caterers and restaurants, local musicians, and local artwork.  To Deanna, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is about educating the public so that they will be more comfortable with hospice and palliative care and not be afraid of death. This unity is the driving force, Deanna explains: “That means more to me than anything.”

Cat Dominici: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Southfield, MI

Our first efforts at recognizing World Hospice & Palliative Care Day was a small endeavor and very worthwhile. Our colorful display had a worldly theme, was fun to look at and attracted a lot of positive interest. Overall we received a lot of optimistic feedback from professional staff, volunteers and other departments within our building.

Personally, I was very proud to take part in something global and peaceful in nature. I was inspired by the factual reminder that we share something sensitive, humane and loving with others across the world. I've used the event to build momentum for our National Hospice Month. In simple words, it's a very good thing and I'm glad our guiding hospice organization supports it. Next World Day is only 11 months away!

Hospice of the Western Reserve

The African American Outreach Committee of Hospice of the Western Reserve in partnership with World Hospice & Palliative Care Day organized “Voices for Hospice: Care across the Ages from Children to Older Adults” on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the McGregor Home on 14900 Private Drive in East Cleveland. This free community program aimed to increase awareness and understanding about hospice and palliative care in the African American Community.