MHPCA Year 2024 – Looking Back and Ahead – Letter from Chief Executive Officer
Dear MHPCA Members,
Thank you for being a part of the MHPCA family. Whether you are a long-standing member, a new member, representing a small or large hospice, or working in a rural or urban setting, MHPCA is proud to serve all its members—hospice, palliative care, and individual professionals alike.
As we reflect on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the continued dedication of our members. We kicked off the year with our Heart of Hospice Awards Luncheon and Hospice Day at the Capitol and were thrilled to see increased participation. Thank you for advocating for your patients, families, staff, and volunteers. Honoring those who make a difference in hospice care is always a highlight, and we are inspired by the stories of these extraordinary individuals.
Training & Education:
This year, we continued offering a variety of trainings and webinars to support your teams. While returning to basics after COVID has been a challenge for many, we are seeing progress, and we appreciate your commitment to furthering the education of your staff. If you sent staff to any of our trainings, thank you for investing in their development.
Collaboration with DHSS & Surveyors:
We were excited to welcome back the Surveyors to our conference this year, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Hospice Division. MHPCA remains actively involved in the quarterly Hospice Division meetings, and one of our Board Members serves as the Chair of this important committee.
Advocacy Efforts:
At the national level, MHPCA made in-depth comments on new hospice legislation introduced in Washington, ensuring that the voices of our hospice professionals are heard. We also lobbied for important issues such as Face-to-Face requirements by telehealth and advocated for veterans’ end-of-life care. We kept you informed throughout the Missouri legislative session and monitored key regulatory changes from CMS.
Midwest Conference Success:
We are proud to have hosted a successful Midwest Conference that exceeded our expectations. The overwhelming interest in speaking at the event demonstrated the high caliber of professionals eager to share their knowledge. We continue to provide national-level education to our members without the need to leave the state.
Prison Hospice Program Revival:
After a hiatus during COVID, we have successfully revived our Prison Hospice Training program. The commitment from volunteers, prison healthcare staff, and employees has been inspiring, and it is a true testament to the values of hospice care. Their dedication underscores the importance of leading by example.
Supporting Our Members:
Throughout the year, we’ve provided support to various hospices, answering questions and helping them navigate challenges to ensure their continued success. We are proud to be a resource for our members whenever you need assistance.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
As we move into 2025, it’s more important than ever to ensure that Missouri has a strong voice at all levels of decision-making. Our mission to advocate for you and your patients will continue into the new year, and we look forward to working together to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Jane Moore
Chief Executive Officer
Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association
