November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospice and palliative care organizations across Arkansas are reaching out to raise awareness about the highest quality care for all people coping with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

“Every year, nearly 1.6 million people living with a serious or life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country,” said J. Donald Schumacher, President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “These highly-trained professionals ensure that patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.” Lisa Vaden, Executive Director for the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Arkansas reports approximately 15,000 (and their loved ones) receive hospice and palliative support in Arkansas, annually.

Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families who are dealing with serious illness.

Hospice and palliative care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing serious illness. Through this specialized quality care, we see many patients and their families experience more meaningful moments together.  Hospice helps them focus on living despite a terminal diagnoses.