Diane Jones, VAHPC Project Administrator Kandyce Powell, Executive Director, Maine Hospice Council...

Diane Jones, VAHPC Project Administrator

Kandyce Powell, Executive Director, Maine Hospice Council

Brian Duke, Consultant, WHYY Caring Community

The National Hospice-Veteran Partnership Program

Message from the Secretary

“Even though VA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the country we can't

provide all the services our aging veterans need. Working in concert with community providers will help ensure

that all of our nation’s veterans have the right care at the right time and the right

place.”

Anthony J. Principi, SecretaryDepartment of Veterans Affairs

September 20, 2002

Annual Veteran Deathsfor FY2001

A small percentage of veterans dieas inpatients in VA facilities

James Hallenbeck, MD (Palo Alto VAMC)

VA Hospice and Palliative Care Initiative

• AACT Program– Accelerated Administrative and Clinical Training – Purpose: Support the ongoing development of

hospice and palliative care programs and clinical training in all VA facilities

• HVP Program– Hospice-Veteran Partnership– Purpose: Ensure quality hospice and palliative care

is available for veterans across all settings and levels of care

HVPs can make a difference

• More than 1,800 veterans are dying every day . . .but not much is known about end-of-life

issues for this special population• The vast majority of veterans do not

receive their health care from VA. . .but community healthcare providers

and organizations often don’t know who they are or how to reach out to them

HVPs can make a difference

• Address relationship issues

– Regulatory differences

– Lack of shared knowledge

– Inadequate channels of communication

– Difficulty in negotiating contracts

– Inadequate information and processes to address payment issues

HVPs can make a difference• Staff development activities

– Hospice 101 and VA 101

– Referral procedures

– EOL issues unique to veterans

• Community outreach activities– Recognize and honor veterans

– Speak to veteran service organizations

– Educate other community organizations about veterans’ issues

• Research– Impact of military experience on veterans at the end of life

– Evaluate effectiveness of HVP activities

Veterans Health Administration21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks

I J 2002

N ANUARY

W ERE INTEGRATED AND

RENAMED

VISN 13 14

VISN 23

S AND

Status of National HVP Program“A” List - Established/Emerging HVPs

VISN 1 MaineMassachusetts

VISN 2 and 3New York

VISN 4Delaware Valley (PA, NJ, DE)

VISN 8Florida

VISN 9Kentucky

VISN 11IndianaMichigan

VISN 12Illinois

VISN 21 and 22California/Nevada

“B” List - Interested in Starting HVP

VISN 1VermontNew HampshireRhode Island

VISN 6North Carolina

VISN 7South CarolinaAlabama

VISN 9West Virginia

VISN 10Ohio

VISN 12Wisconsin

VISN 15Kansas

VISN 20Washington

VISN 23Nebraska

What can you do?

• If your state is on the “A” list – we can help you locate the existing or emerging HVP

• If your state is on the “B” list – we can connect you with others who are interested in starting an HVP

• If your state hasn’t started yet – we can help you get organized

• Use the free technical assistance and consulting services, which are being supported by Rallying Points and the Department of Veteran Affairs

• Use the HVP Toolkit as a guide to help you get started

Who should you call?• Rallying Points National Office

– (202) 296-8071

• National HVP Program office– (856) 310-0009

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization– 703-837-1500

• Rallying Points Regional Resource Center for your region

• State hospice organization in your state

Where can you get more information?

• Web resources– www.rallyingpoints.org– www.hospice.va.gov– www.growthhouse.org– www.ethosconsult.com

• Rallying Points Consultants– djones@ethosconsult.com– KPowell@MaineHospiceCouncil.org– BrianMDuke@aol.com