In celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, FHSSA Announces Seven New Partnerships Between U.S. Organizations and Africa...(ls the start of something newfor both of...),Health

In many countries in Africa there is little or no access to adequate pain medication, little or no access to hospice and palliative care, and desperate situations of suffering, stigma, poverty, and isolation. This is particularly acute for women and children. Hospice and palliative care as human right is the theme for this year's World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, a day of global awareness drawing attention to end-of-life care.

"There is so much to gain by sharing resources, techniques and guidance with one another," said Cynthia Roy-Squitieri, Regional Hospice Executive Director. "We are thrilled and honored to be chosen to work with FHSSA and our African hospice colleagues in Tanzania. We are especially excited to be the first non-profit hospice in Connecticut to partner with Haydom Lutheran Hospital."

"While worldwide attention and funding is focused on many necessary aspects of the AIDS pandemic (vaccine development, prevention, anti-retroviral medication availability, home-based supportive care, orphan care, etc.) very little attention is being paid to the needs of the dying," said J. Donald Schumacher, FHSSA President and CEO. "This is a central focus for FHSSA in advancing its partnership initiative."

"I am very excited," said Roberta Spencer, Director of Support Services at The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in South Bend, IN. "We feel what we are doing as a Hospice program fits into our philosophy for life and we are able to do that because of our success locally and participation at the national level. We believe it is time for us to extend beyond our own program, to learn from others as well as to give to others, and to recognize we have a common vision
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