Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care

Maine Hospice Council and Center for End of Life Care Promoting Excellence in End-of-Life Care The Maine Hospice Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donation are tax-deductable. From its beginning in 1984, the Maine Hospice Council has been the leading advocate, educator and technical resource for Hospice and end-of-life care in Maine. Mission: The Maine Hospice Council exists to ensure the continued development of Hospice and Palliative Care in Maine. The Council provides education and technical assistance and advocacy about access to quality end-of-life care. Funding: The Council receives financial support from many sources, including grants, donations, MaineShare (a workplace giving organization), membership dues, sponsorships, annual appeals, Maine State General Fund support, earned income, education events, and private foundations.

The Council provides –  Advocacy for individuals and families dealing with death, dying and bereavement  Consultation regarding Hospice and other aspects of end-of-life care to individuals, agencies, academic institutions, policy makers, organizations, health care systems, corporations, schools, etc.  Educational workshops and seminars on issues related to end-of-life care ◊ Annual Weekend Wellness Retreat ◊ Annual Hospice/Veterans Conference ◊ Annual Hospice/Prison Conference ◊ Annual Pain Symposium ◊ Quarterly Education Workshops  Policy Development/Assistance/ Analysis including, but not limited to: ◊ Hospice licensure law (PL 1993, c. 692) ◊ An Act to Improve End-of-Life Care in the State (LD 802) ◊ Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council (PL 2015, Chapter 203) ◊ An Act to Support Death with Dignity (most recently LD 347/LD 1066)  Collaborative Partnerships ◊ Internships (UNE/USM/UMA/UMO/Boston College/College of the Atlantic/Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland) ◊ POLST Coalition ◊ Maine Hospice Council/Department of Corrections/Maine State Prison Program ◊ Hospice/Veterans Partnership (1st in US ) ◊ ALS Collaborative ◊ Maine Pain Initiative ◊ Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council ◊ Maine Consortium for Palliative Care and Hospice ◊ Rural Access (PCHC/Maine General/Jackman Community/ Somerset Public Health) ◊ Stories Project  Public Speaking ◊ Conferences ◊ Public Forums ◊ Association/Organization Meetings ◊ International Speaking Engagements ◊ National Associations  Clearinghouse ◊ Often field questions from attorneys/legislators/health care professionals/ family members/patients/academics/Hospice staff and volunteers/other interested parties  Grant writing  Representation/Awards ◊ National Social Work Association for Prison Program ◊ National Hospice Organization-President’s Award for Non-Print Media ◊ National Retirement Research Association for “On Life and Living: the Hospice Experience” ◊ Senior Advocacy Coalition  Resources: ◊ Social Media Sites (Facebook, Twitter) ◊ News briefs ◊ Hospice News Network (National Newsletter) ◊ Websites ◊ Print and Electronic Materials ◊ POLST Forms (by request) ◊ CD/”Sounds of Comfort” ◊ Hospice Bumper Stickers