Hospice Action Network Honors Congressional Champions with Angel Award
For Immediate Release
December 07, 2022
(Alexandria, VA) – The Hospice Action Network (HAN), the advocacy affiliate group of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is pleased to announce its 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel Award Honorees. This award was created to recognize select members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for their ongoing efforts to amplify the voices of patients, families, providers, and those advocating for the vital mission of hospice and palliative care in supporting patients and their families facing serious or life-limiting illness.
This year’s award recipients are as follows:
Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Senator John Barrasso (WY)
Senator Shelley Capito (WV)
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)
Senator Roger Marshall (KS)
Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Senator Jacky Rosen (IL)
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3)
Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16)
Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4)
Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-3)
Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)
The honorees expressed their appreciation for the recognition.
“As someone who spent time as the primary caregiver for my grandmother, I know the world of difference it makes in someone’s life to have compassionate palliative care,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m deeply honored to receive the 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel Award and remain committed to enhancing access to palliative and hospice care services to help improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans managing serious illnesses.”
“I have experienced hospice care as both a doctor and family member.” said Senator Barrasso. “Hospice lets patients enjoy the highest quality of life when they need it most. I am proud to support all the dedicated hospice providers in Wyoming and across the country. It is an honor to once again be recognized by the hospice community and I will continue supporting efforts to improve hospice care in the years ahead.”
“I have seen firsthand the impact that hospice and palliative care can have on patients, and personally felt the support it provides as someone who cared for aging parents,” said Senator Capito. “That is why I have been, and continue to be, committed to making sure these critical services are available in communities across West Virginia, including our more rural areas. It is important that we take action now to grow, improve, and sustain the palliative and hospice care workforce, and recognize their importance and dedication. I am so honored to be recognized as a 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel, and I will continue to push for legislative solutions to help improve the well-being of Americans with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”
“Hospice and palliative care provide critical comfort to people all over the Silver State,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to partner with Hospice Action Network to support Nevadans facing serious illness, and I’ll continue working in the Senate to make sure all Nevadans have access to affordable, quality health care.”
“I collaborated with compassionate and talented palliative and hospice professionals during my time as both a practicing physician and hospital manager,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “I have the utmost respect for the professionals who perform this work in health care systems across the country, and it is an honor to receive NHPCO’s Hospice Action Network Award for a second time since I came to Congress in 2017.”
“Hospice and palliative care can be challenging topics to discuss as they are so personal, but the immense benefits they provide for patients and their families cannot be overstated. These services have the potential to improve quality of life, reduce physical and mental stress, and help patients better understand the best options of care for their unique circumstances—something we should all want for the people we care about,” said Senator Murkowski. “I commend all those who provide hospice and palliative care services. It’s an honor to be recognized with this award, and I look forward to continuing my work to drive policy initiatives on behalf of providers and the patients they care for.”
“I’m honored to be recognized by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization for my work to provide patients and families in Nevada and across the country better access to comprehensive health services, including hospice and palliative care,” said Senator Rosen. “I will continue to lead on this issue and look forward to working with the nation’s hospice and palliative care providers to make sure that patients and their families receive the best care possible.”
“Making sure that patients and families understand their choices and have their wishes respected has long been a passion of mine,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “I was the ‘death panel guy’ and the object of Sarah Palin‘s ‘Lie of the Year’ as I fought to ensure that the federal government assigned value to understanding and protecting patients’ end of life wishes. The amazing work of people who provide critical hospice and palliative care should be celebrated and protected. Our struggle to make sure that everybody understands and takes advantage of these services continues, and the federal government must keep pace.”
“Hospice and palliative care workers go above and beyond to provide compassionate care to patients and their families,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Hospice Action Network and will continue my work in Congress to support patients and promote access to quality end-of-life care.”
“I am proud to accept the 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel Award,” said Congressman Horsford. “So many families across Nevada and around the country count on hospice and palliative care providers during one of the most difficult times they will face. That is why I have made it a priority to improve training and education opportunities for the health professionals who work in the hospice and palliative care industry and have advocated for strengthening home and community-based care services as part of our nation’s caregiving infrastructure.”
“I’m honored to receive the 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel Award,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Hospice and palliative care providers play an invaluable role in our communities, and I will continue my work in Congress to support this important industry and the outstanding people who make it whole.”
“I want to thank the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization for the honor of being named the winner of the 2022 Hospice Action Network Angel Award,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful for their continued support as we’ve worked to get the GRIEF Act introduced in the House of Representatives—legislation I authored to help end the stigma around mental health and ensure families can access the essential support they deserve during challenging times. Again, thank you to everyone at the NHPCO for this award, and I look forward to our continued work together to create a culture of awareness and support for those who need it most.”
NHPCO and HAN are proud to recognize these lawmakers for their ongoing efforts.
“Thank you to our HAN Angel Recipients for their leadership and support of hospice and palliative care patients and families across our country who rely on person-centered, interdisciplinary care during their greatest time of need,” said Executive Director of HAN, Logan Hoover.
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