NJHA and its Health Research and Educational Trust will mark National Healthcare Decisions Day April 16 by hosting a complimentary program, Embracing Palliative Care in Practice, with clinicians, clergy and healthcare consumers sharing perspectives on palliative care.

The program also features keynote speaker Susan E. Cohen, MD, of NYU Langone Medical Center, who will present a thought-provoking presentation, “Responding to Requests to Hasten Death: Is Physician Aid in Dying the Answer?”

There’s been an increased emphasis on end-of-life care in recent years as studies show New Jersey’s senior population is slated to increase 60 percent by 2030. A new report by the Governor’s Advisory Council recommends increasing awareness and education around palliative, hospice care and end-of-life care directives. Advocates hope to normalize this conversation to ensure a great life and a good death.

Defined by the World Health Organization in 1990, palliative care seeks to address not only physical pain, but emotional, social and spiritual pain to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care extends the principles of hospice care to a broader population that could benefit from receiving this type of care earlier in their illness or disease process.

This conference is part of the Partnership for Patients initiative, with contract funding that allows HRET to provide it at no cost to attendees. As part of the day, Jessica Israel, MD, director of geriatrics at RWJBarnabas Health will lead a discussion on “Finding Common Ground,” while Steven Goldfine MD, chief medical officer of Samaritan Hospice will moderate a family’s journey as told by Andrea and Darryl Gladden, whose three daughters were diagnosed with lupus.

Innovations in palliative care posters are welcome for display at the conference. Contact Pat Dimino at pdimino@njha.com for more information.

Click here to register.