Hospice Foundation of America

Mission:
Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care, with the goal of enhancing the U.S. healthcare system and the role of hospice within it.

Services and Programs

• Public Education: HFA offers comprehensive educational resources about hospice care, palliative care, caregiving, and grief for patients, families, and the general public. This includes guides on what hospice is, who qualifies, how to obtain services, and how to prepare for hospice care.
• Professional Development: HFA provides continuing education programs for end-of-life care professionals, including live and on-demand online courses, the Living with Grief® series, and specialized training such as the Five Wishes® facilitator program.
• Grief Support: The organization publishes the Journeys bereavement newsletter, maintains a grief-focused Facebook page, and offers resources for navigating grief and loss. HFA also supports specialized projects such as AutismandGrief.org, which provides a grief toolkit for adults with autism and their support networks.
• Ask an Expert: HFA offers a free, expert-led consultation service for individuals seeking guidance about hospice, end-of-life options, or grief. Questions are answered by a board-certified nurse practitioner and leading grief experts, typically within 24 hours.
• Community Engagement: HFA partners with communities nationwide to promote advance care planning, hosts educational events, and provides speakers for corporate and community gatherings on topics related to hospice, palliative care, and grief.
• Research and Grants: The organization leads and participates in research projects to improve end-of-life care, such as the Project Talk Trial and studies on advance care planning in underserved communities.

Who They Serve

HFA serves patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and communities across the United States, including residents of Louisa County, VA and surrounding regions. Services are designed to be inclusive, addressing the needs of underserved populations regardless of race, ethnicity, location, disability, income level, or sexual orientation.

Eligibility

Most resources, educational materials, and the Ask an Expert service are available to the general public without specific eligibility requirements. Some professional development programs may require registration or membership.

Impact

• Over 21,000 continuing education hours awarded to professionals nationwide
• Programs and research in 446 underserved communities
• Monthly grief support for over 45,000 individuals
• 95% of donations go directly to improving hospice and bereavement care

Commitment to Diversity

HFA is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion, with a strong non-discrimination policy and targeted outreach to traditionally underserved populations.