For Immediate Release: April 17, 2012

Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State Receives National Recognition for Outstanding Accomplishments

The Inaugural NHPCO Trailblazer Award Presented at National Conference

(Alexandria, Va) – The Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS) is the honored recipient of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s inaugural Trailblazer Award.  HPCANYS President and CEO Kathy A. McMahon accepted the award at events held in conjunction with NHPCO’s 27th annual Management Leadership Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor Convention Center.  

The Trailblazer Award was created to recognize state organizations demonstrating high levels of excellence, innovation and leadership that expand access to hospice and palliative care, promote quality, and increase awareness.

HPCANYS received the award in recognition of its successful advocacy program to increase access to hospice and palliative care.  The Association’s efforts resulted in inclusion of hospice and palliative care in New York State Medicaid Redesign and passage of three important pieces of legislation–the Hospice Modernization Act, the Palliative Care Access Act, and the Family Health Care Decisions Improvement Act, all of which were signed into law in 2011.

 “Other state organizations can benefit from what HPCANYS has done,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO.  “Hospices and those they serve benefit from a strong state organization that can advocate on behalf of quality end-of-life care.”   

Kathy McMahon, president & CEO of HPCANYS stated, “It is a great honor to accept the Trailblazer Award on behalf of our Board of Trustees, whose vision and leadership made our advocacy successes possible.  Collaboration and partnership with a number of healthcare organizations, as well as the strong support of the NYS Assembly and Senate, were key to these legislative achievements.”

State hospice organizations that are members of the NHPCO Council of States and have established an innovative program or initiative advancing hospice and/or palliative care within its home state are eligible for the annual Trailblazer Award.

To learn more about hospice and palliative care services, advance care planning, or to find a hospice provider, please visit NHPCO’s Caring Connections at www.CaringInfo.org.  

Presenting the Trailblazer Award are (L to R) NHPCO President/CEO Don Schumacher, pictured with HPCANYS President/CEO Kathy McMahon, Board Chair Mark Murray, and NHPCO Council of States Chair Michele Fedderly.

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Contact:
Jon Radulovic
NHPCO Vice President, Communications
Ph: 703-837-3139
jradulovic@nhpco.org