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Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care News

February 19, 2008

For more information contact:

Jeannette Ford

jford@kchospice.org

Office: 816-363-2600

Cell: 816-286-9812

Groundbreaking Booklet Addresses End-of-Life Care Issues of African Americans

KANSAS CITY, MO—Long-held cultural beliefs and a historical mistrust of the health care system are the major reasons hospice and palliative care are used far less by blacks than by whites, according to a recent study. To close this gap, Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care and African-American author and social worker Gloria Thomas Anderson have joined forces to provide education, better understanding and greater access to end-of-life care options for African Americans.

They’re offering Anderson’s booklet, What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me? The African-American Spiritual and Ethical Guide to End-of-Life Care, free to anyone in the greater metropolitan area. Aptly, the booklet’s title, “What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me?” is a quote from one of Anderson’s elderly relatives who had questions about her end-of-life care. The booklet addresses the historical, cultural and family values that influence African Americans’ health care decisions, and covers the spiritual, practical and legal considerations in end-of-life care.

“I hope the information in this booklet empowers African Americans to make the best health care decisions before they are unable to communicate what they want for themselves,” said Anderson, who was inspired by her own family’s experiences. “I want African Americans to know that end-of-life care isn’t about giving up. It’s about quality of life.”

The booklet includes useful detachable forms for Health Care Treatment Directives and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions, so readers can make their wishes known to loved ones and care providers.

“Dealing with illness and death is an intensely personal experience, strongly influenced by a person’s values and culture,” said Elaine McIntosh, president and CEO of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. “Our partnership to make this booklet available has deepened our understanding of the patients and families we serve, and we hope this booklet will help African American families understand what hospice and palliative care can do to support them when a family member is very ill.”

Anderson and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care staff are available to talk to community groups and provide education about end-of-life care considerations and how to get support.

For a free copy of What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me? The African-American Spiritual and Ethical Guide to End-of-Life Care, or to schedule a presentation, call Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care at 816-363-2600. Request a speaker online at www.kansascityhospice.org/Education-SpeakerRequest.

Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care is a nonprofit organization that has been enhancing life for the seriously ill since 1980. Care teams provide assistance and comfort to area patients and their families in six Missouri and three Kansas counties. For more information, call the main office at 816-363-2600 or visit www.kansascityhospice.org.

Gloria Thomas Anderson, MSW, a professional social worker and diversity educator, is the author of two books and an online inspirational column. She is a frequently requested motivational speaker throughout North America and has been commonly featured in the media. For information on her inspirational presentations, services and free column, visit www.hearttones.com.

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