World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD), celebrated this year on October 8, 2022, is an annual event celebrating the work of hospice and palliative care professionals worldwide. It is a day to celebrate the work of hospices and palliative care providers, who work tirelessly to provide comfort, dignity, and peace to terminally ill patients.
It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the role hospice and palliative care plays in helping people live well, with dignity and independence. The day aims to highlight the importance of high-quality end-of-life care for all, regardless of age or location.
2022 Theme
The 2022 theme is “Healing Hearts and Communities”:
The experience of grief and the need to heal unites humans worldwide. With more than six million deaths worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in tremendous strain on healthcare systems and unprecedented grief and suffering for health workers and caregivers. In addition, several conflicts and wars are taking place around the globe, resulting in millions of families and caregivers grieving the deaths of family and friends, experiencing social isolation and property destruction.
Hospices and palliative care providers are often the first places people go when they learn they have a terminal illness—and they’re often the last place people go before they pass away. They offer support for the patient and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Hospice and palliative care are both focused on reducing the pain, discomfort, and stress that comes with serious illness or terminal condition. They also help patients live as full a life as possible by providing support for emotional well-being and comfort at the end of life.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day aims to:
- Raise awareness about hospice and palliative care
- Encourage people to talk about end-of-life care with their loved ones
- Raise funds for hospice and palliative care charities
Getting Involved
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in your community by volunteering or organizing an event.
The day is marked by events around the world, including conferences, training workshops, and other events which focus on improving services for people with a terminal illness, their families, and carers.
There are many ways to get involved! Some suggestions include:
- Planning a fundraiser or bake sale in support of WHPCD
- Organizing an educational event for patients and families about end-of-life care options
- Hosting an open house at your clinic/hospital/office or community/senior center to inform people about hospice and palliative care resources in your area
- Host a screening of one of the many documentaries available about hospice and palliative care
- Write a blog post about what hospice means to you
- Write a post on social media to share your thoughts on hospice/palliative care
- Write an article for your school newspaper or newsletter
- Making a donation to a hospice or palliative care facility
You can also spread awareness about hospice and palliative care by sharing this blog post with friends via social media or emailing it directly to them.
‘Thank you’ to everyone who makes the hospice and palliative care field so special and those who continue advocating for the community’s needs!