The National Hospice-Veteran Partnership Program

1. The National Hospice-Veteran Partnership Program Diane Jones, VAHPC Project Administrator Kandyce Powell, Executive Director, Maine Hospice Council Brian Duke, Consultant, WHYY Caring Community

2. 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, Secretary Department of Veterans Affairs September 20, 2002

3. Annual Veteran Deathsfor FY2001 A small percentage of veterans dieas inpatients in VA facilities James Hallenbeck, MD (Palo Alto VAMC)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Veterans Health Administration 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks

9. “A” List - Established/Emerging HVPs VISN 1 Maine Massachusetts VISN 2 and 3 New York VISN 4 Delaware Valley (PA, NJ, DE) VISN 8 Florida VISN 9 Kentucky VISN 11 Indiana Michigan VISN 12 Illinois VISN 21 and 22 California/Nevada “B” List - Interested in Starting HVP VISN 1 Vermont New Hampshire Rhode Island VISN 6 North Carolina VISN 7 South Carolina Alabama VISN 9 West Virginia VISN 10 Ohio VISN 12 Wisconsin VISN 15 Kansas VISN 20 Washington VISN 23 Nebraska Status of National HVP Program

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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