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A RESOLUTION
19-325
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
November 1, 2012
To declare the month of November as “National Hospice and Palliative Care Month” in the District of Columbia and to recognize the dignity hospice and palliative care can provide to patients.
Whereas, every year more than 1.5 million Americans living with life-limiting illnesses and their families receive care from hospice programs in their communities;
WHEREAS, hospice services are available to terminally ill patients of any age, religion, or race;
WHEREAS, a professionally managed interdisciplinary team of providers that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors, volunteers, dietary counselors, ancillary therapists, and others tailor patient care plans that emphasize control of pain and other symptoms;
WHEREAS, hospice and palliative teams provide emotional and spiritual support to families so that patients are surrounded and supported by their loved ones, friends, committed caregivers, and community;
WHEREAS, hospice and palliative care providers seek to remove barriers to quality palliative and end-of-life-care to ensure universal access, especially for traditionally underserved populations;
WHEREAS, a hospice program ensures patients and families receive peace of mind knowing the doctors and professionals involved are trained to administer high-quality and comprehensive care for terminally ill individuals; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 42% of all deaths in the United States were under the care of a hospice program.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “National Hospice and Palliative Care Month Recognition Resolution of 2012”.
Sec. 2. The Council of The District of Columbia commends the hospice and palliative care providers in the District for their extraordinary commitment to the patients and residents of the District of Columbia and declares the month of November as “National Hospice and Palliative Care Month” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
