NewsLine - July 2010 - (Page 20)

Make the Most of Congressional Recess With HAN’s Free Resources Download the HAN In-District Action Kit Developed by NHPCO’s Hospice Action Network (HAN), this kit includes all the tools you need to make the most of the congressional recess. You will ﬁ nd tip sheets to help garner “face-time” with members of Congress, plus template letters for requesting meetings and inviting policymakers to tour your program. Rounding out the materials are the most recent talking points on the pressing issues facing the ﬁeld. Monitor the HAN Website Daily This website (www.hospiceactionnetwork.org) is an allencompassing resource, with everything from an “Issues” section to keep you up to date on the latest legislative news… to a “For Congress” section to help members of Congress and their staff hear from constituents. The HAN website is also the home of the Legislative Action Center, where you will ﬁ nd NHPCO’s latest legislative and advocacy alerts and information about lawmakers. Ask Questions If you have any questions or concerns about furthering your local advocacy efforts, the NHPCO HAN team is always willing to help—email the team at advocacy@nhpco.org. The spirit of hospice advocacy was palpable in our nation’s capital during NHPCO’s 2010 Hill Day last April. However, Hill Day was only the beginning of a phased, long-term strategy to educate Congress about the value of hospice and warn our representatives of the devastating impact of the cuts coming in October 2012. So, as the congressional recess rapidly approaches in August and elections follow in November, there is no better time than the present to start making in-district advocacy plans. Engaging in hospice advocacy at home may seem a little intimidating to some members, but here are a few suggestions that can make the process easier: Circle of Life Award Call for Nominations For over a decade, the American Hospital Association has presented the Circle of Life Award to celebrate innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. AHA is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Circle of Life Award. Up to three organizations will win the award, while additional organizations may receive citations of honor. • To nominate an organization or program (either your own or another), visit the AHA website to complete the brief online nomination form. An application packet will then be emailed to the nominated organization and that organization must complete and return the application to AHA by August 9, 2010. • For more information about the award, visit www.aha. org/circleoﬂ ife. • NHPCO and the National Hospice Foundation are major sponsors of the Circle of Life Award, along with AHA, the Catholic Health Association and the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and the National Association of Social Workers are award cosponsors. 20 NewsLine http://www.nhpco.org/files/public/public_policy/advocacy/Recess%20_action_toolkit.doc http://www.hospiceactionnetwork.org http://www.aha.org/aha/news-center/awards/circle-of-life/index.html http://www.aha.org/circleoflife http://www.aha.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NewsLine - July 2010

NewsLine - July 2010
Using NHPCO’s New Standards
A Message from Don
A Conversation with Julia Quinlan
HAN: Taking Advocacy to the Next Level
Online Videos About Hospice Care Available
Make the Most of Congressional Recess
Circle of Life Award Call for Nominations
Pediatric Palliative Care News
NHPCO’s Upcoming Educational Offerings
National Hospice Foundation Quarterly Report

NewsLine - July 2010