Labyak Institute
The Mary J. Labyak Institute is a dynamic initiative designed to continue a legacy of listening, learning and innovating. Founded in 2012 by NHPCO at the National Center for Care at the End of Life, the Institute develops and promotes progress and strategies to ensure the best possible care of patients and families.
Initiatives • Institute Centers • Mary J Labyak • In Mary’s Own Words
We invite you to download a brochure that provides an introduction to the Labyak Institute (PDF).
Initiatives
Building on the achievements of the past, the Institute will continue the work and spirit of Mary Labyak’s legacy — always keeping the needs of patients and families at the center of all we do. The initial work of the Institute includes:
- Convening experts within the hospice and palliative care field and beyond to create new care models and practices
- Publishing articles, Continuum Briefings and other communications aimed at promoting and cultivating innovation
- Identifying, packaging and disseminating promising practices and innovative programs
- Infusing hospice values into the ongoing work of NHPCO and stakeholders
The Institute is organized into Centers focused on key priority areas. These Centers provide the framework through which NHPCO and its affiliated organizations make a powerful difference in how care is provided to those facing serious illness, death and bereavement. Learn more about the Institute Centers listed below.
- Center for Children
- Center for Grief and Bereavement
- Center for Leadership Development
- Center for Spiritual Care
- Center for Veterans’ Care
Mary Labyak was a visionary leader, a change agent and an inspirational teacher. Her work at the community, state, national and international levels profoundly changed the care of seriously ill people and their family caregivers. We invite you to learn more about Mary Labyak and her many contributions.
Mary receives the National Hospice Foundation Healthcare Architect Award from President and CEO J. Donald Schumacher.
In 2001, Mary Labyak wrote the landmark article, The Experience Model, which called for the provision of hospice and palliative care services that are based on the unique values, end-of-life goals and wishes of each patient and family rather than on the disease itself. Now, more than a decade later, hospice and palliative care providers embrace this model.
