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Committed to Excellence in Palliative Care
Welcome to the Supportive Care Coalition Web site. The Supportive Care Coalition is committed to excellence in palliative care. The focus of our efforts is assisting Catholic health care organizations and their health care professionals to address the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs of those suffering from life-threatening and/or chronic illness as well as those approaching the end of life. We also advocate for cultural and social policy changes so that all patients can experience living well until death.
Formed in 1994 as Supportive Care of the Dying by six visionary Catholic health care organizations, Supportive Care Coalition: Pursuing Excellence in Palliative Care, has grown to 18 member organizations with health care facilities in 48 states. In 2006, the name was changed to better reflect Coalition palliative care activities that address the continuum of living with life-limiting illness from time of diagnosis to end of life. We know that by working together, building on our Catholic traditions, and sharing and creating leading practices, we can enhance palliative and end-of-life care.
- We are committed to bringing about cultural change in the care of those with chronic and life-threatening illness.
- We are committed to excellence in pain and symptom management.
- We are committed to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to understanding how to bring relief of suffering -- body, mind and spirit.
- We are committed to helping patients live fully in community.
Excellent palliative care does not happen by accident. It requires the expertise of doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, administrators and other health care professionals who understand chronic and life-limiting illness and living while dying processes, and who are equipped to support the patient's accompanying fears and discomforts. It is also strengthened by the instrumental participation of family and friends who oftentimes find themselves in the role of caregiver, supporter and advocate. Finally and most importantly, excellent palliative care is always patient- and family-focused. It includes supporting the bereaved.
Supportive Care Coalition members work collaboratively to improve end-of-life care through education, program development, networking, demonstration projects and advocacy. One of our important services is connecting health professionals to resources to help them improve their skills. Use this site to:
Health care organizations which share our commitment to excellence in palliative care are invited to learn more about coalition membership.