For immediate release
Wednesday September 9, 2020
Calgary, AB – The Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA) has received a $1 million grant from the Alberta government to launch three new programs, created by AHPCA, to support Albertans who are impacted by grief or life-limiting illness: 1) the Telephone Grief Support Project; 2) the Living Every Season Project; and 3) the Biannual AHPCA Roadshow.
The first program, AHPCA’s free Telephone Grief Support, will offer one-to-one phone support by trained volunteers matched with grieving individuals throughout Alberta.
“Many Albertans are grieving right now, whether from the end-of-life illness of a loved one, grief after a death, or simply the global grief that comes from the changed life circumstances inherent to living in a pandemic. Grieving is normal but it can be difficult. Being able to have regular chats with somebody who understands can make a big difference.” Kristi Puchbauer, Executive Director, AHPCA
The second program, AHPCA’s Living Every Season, will aim to help Albertans live life to the fullest while living with life-limiting illness. This project has two components: 1) an online program will provide free, professionally-led support for adults affected by a life-limiting condition, including patients, caregivers and family members; and 2) when public health guidelines allow, AHPCA will provide support to hospice palliative care societies to implement local in-person Living Every Season programming in communities across the province.
“A life-limiting diagnosis can change everything – for the person who receives the news and for the people who love and care for them. As a partner, parent, family member or close friend, you may find yourself stepping into the role of a caregiver to provide your loved one with the physical and emotional support they need, often without any practical experience. The Living Every Season program supports this transition and helps Albertans to live well at end-of-life.” Elaine Klym, Board Chair, AHPCA
Finally, the Biannual AHPCA Roadshow touring workshop will expand to include five autumn locations, including one urban community, which doubles capacity. The AHPCA Roadshow has visited five rural locations in Alberta each spring for the past decade, presenting topics at the forefront of hospice palliative care. Participants include volunteers, caregivers, patients, families, nurses, social workers, teachers, complementary therapists and health care administrators. In each location, AHPCA partners with local palliative hospice groups to tailor the content to each community.
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About AHPCA: AHPCA is a provincial non-profit registered charity that promotes and supports comprehensive and quality hospice palliative care for all Albertans. www.ahpca.ca
Media inquiries:
Kathryn Trenerry-Harker, [email protected], 403 875 5040
Communications Co-ordinator, AHPCA