PAlliAtive CAre ProgrAm
Optimizing Quality of Life for Patients and Families
A
s medical science grows increasing-
ly complex, the human dimensions
of suffering are sometimes over-
looked. At no time is that connection
more important than when patients face
chronic or terminal illness. That’s where
palliative care comes in.
Palliative care is an emerging specialty
focused on alleviating the symptoms of
serious disease, including pain, stress and
side effects. “This aspect of health care is
crucial but not well understood,” asserted
Jerry Levine, MD, chief medical officer at
Chilton. “It is different than hospice care
because it’s based on need, not prognosis.
Palliative care is about empowering
patients and honoring their wishes,
whether they have 20 years to live or six
months.”
Chilton Medical Center introduced its
Palliative Care Program in 2015. The
service has been invaluable to the hospi-
tal’s aging population, offering physical,
emotional and spiritual support to
patients and their loved ones as they cope
with the challenges associated with their
“Palliative care
is not a subject
people want to talk
about.Chilton is
bringing those
important
conversations into
the community.”
Chilton Medical Center
Foundation Board Member
Cynthia Chamberlain
Chilton Magazine holiday 2018
illness. But need has far exceeded capacity,
prompting the Chilton Medical Center
Foundation to raise over $600,000 for
additional staffing, resources and a new
community-based education initiative that
encourages families to discuss issues relat-
ed to a difficult diagnosis, treatment and
end-of-life care.
Development Committee Chair Amy
Hershman garnered funding for the pro-
gram following her own personal experi-
ences. “Palliative care guided my family
through our darkest days, helping us navi-
gate the medical system and find strength
in the face of terminal illness,” said
Hershman. “With this program, Chilton
will ease the burden of others travelling
the same journey.”
“Palliative care is not a subject people
want to talk about,” added Foundation
Board member Cynthia Chamberlain.
“Chilton is bringing those important con-
versations into the community.”
The Foundation’s Major Gift Initiative
for Palliative Care continues into 2019.
To learn more, call 973-831-5165.