Elizabeth Dole named to NHPCO post

The Alexandria, VA-based National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has named former presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole to serve as the organization’s National Director for Hospice Education and Information.

Among Dole’s top priorities in her new position will be to work with the nation’s hospices to assist families affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a first step, Dole is highlighting the hospice role as a community resource for grief and bereavement services and reminding Americans that hospice professionals across the country are available to help grieving individuals and families.

The NHPCO is banking on Dole’s high visibility to raise public awareness of hospice care and spark household conversations about end-of-life care. By further heightening national attention on the benefits and availability of hospice care, Dole’s efforts will complement the community outreach activities of hospices across the country.

According to the NHPCO, hospices are expected to play a significant role in the healing of Americans following the terrorist attacks.

"Hospices have long served as community resources for grief and bereavement services," the organization said in a press release announcing Dole’s appointment. "Now is certainly no exception. In addition to sending help to the affected areas, hospices from across the country are helping their own communities come to terms with the immense loss."

People seeking help or hospice information can call NHPCO’s toll-free Helpline at (800) 658-8898 and search the NHPCO’s "Find A Hospice" feature on its web site, www.nhpco.org.