Sure, it’s exciting to visit Washington, D.C. and see the U.S. Capitol- but if you really want to get to know your Member of Congress, there’s no better place than your own backyard! That’s why NHPCO is working to launch a My Hospice Congressional Roundtable program to connect hospice providers with their Members of Congress in their communities.

Our first event was held earlier this month in Salina, KS with Congressman Roger Marshall, where hospice care providers gathered to discuss the hospice care model, why it’s unique, why it works and why preservation of the Medicare benefit for hospice must be a priority for Congressman Marshall and other federal lawmakers. My Hospice Ambassador for Kansas, Sandy Kuhlman, worked with NHPCO to arrange and lead the event.


My Hospice roundtable attendees pictured with Congressman Marshall

The roundtable included a candid discussion with staff from at least eight different area hospice programs who raised issues ranging from constituent access to hospice care and workforce availability as well as innovative developments for a pilot telehospice program and a local paper even covered the event.

A My Hospice Congressional roundtable is a great way to build a relationship with your representatives, educate them on the value of hospice and advocate for legislation to help the hospice and palliative care community. If you’re interested in hosting a My Hospice Roundtable event, we’d love to help make it happen.  The Hospice Action Network (HAN) team can help you draft an invitation, connect with Congressional staff and plan your event. Please reach out to Sydney Shepherd at sshepherd@nhpco.org for more information and congratulations to Sandy Kuhlman for hosting our first successful event!