Literature Review

Leaders leading leaders: 7 essentials for healthcare execs to future-proof talent Becker's Hospital Review; by Wendy Horton; 7/8/25 ... The best leaders develop other leaders. ... Future-proofing leadership requires a deliberate approach to change management — and strategic prioritization. Healthcare leaders can’t wait to react; they must create the roadmap, set the tone, establish the pace and prepare for what’s coming. Throughout my leadership journey at UVA Health University Medical Center, as well as at organizations like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and UW Health, I’ve observed consistent themes in what it takes to lead effectively in the present while also preparing strategically for the future.

Hospice Foundation of America mourns passing of David J. Abrams – HFA board member and leader Hospice Foundation of America (HFA), Washington, DC; Press Release; 7/8/25 David J. Abrams, 85, a longtime member of the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) Board of Directors, died on July 8. Abrams, who oversaw operations at HFA from its formative years until 2007, leaves in his wake a legacy of service and commitment to hospice care in the United States. “David’s passing will be deeply felt by many, both personally and professionally. Through his leadership positions at HFA, for many years, he greatly advanced the knowledge and quality of hospice caregivers throughout the palliative care community,” said Thomas J. Spulak, chairman of HFA’s Board of Directors. “As a friend and colleague to many, we will all miss his smile, care, concern, and intellect that he brought to us every day. David will never be forgotten.”

Reopening of Hospice House stalls after Seasons Hospice exits Steele County Southernminn, Faribault, MN; by Annie Harman; 7/1/25 What has been a continuing journey of peaks and valleys has come upon yet another roadblock as volunteers with the Homestead Hospice House announce the reopening of the residential hospice facility will be put on hold. The news comes after Seasons Hospice, a nonprofit hospice care organization based out of Rochester, has made the decisions to discontinue their home care and hospice services in Steele County. Seasons had initially partnered with the board of the Homestead Hospice House in August 2024 to work toward reopening the facility, raising $850,000 — $350,000 to reopen the facility and cover startup funds for IT and staff, and an additional $500,000 to secure operating funds for the first year. 

Visiting nurse organization makes interim leader permanent Valley News, White River Junction, VT; by Lukas Dunford; 7/3/25 The board of Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire has appointed a new chief executive officer. Tammy L. Tarsa, who has served as interim CEO and president of VNH since March, will replace Johanna Beliveau, who served as CEO from 2018 to 2025. Tarsa began at VNH as chief clinical officer in 2022. Since then, she led a financial sustainability plan and improved VNH’s hospice rating to four stars. The rating is based on a family caregiver experience survey, which the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, uses to assess the experiences of patients and their informal primary caregivers. Tarsa also increased payouts by 310% from the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model, a program designed by the CMS to reward quality and efficiency in home health care. 

Center for Acute Hospice Care to close in August 29 News, Charlottesville, VA; by Jacob Phillips; 7/1/25 After nearly a decade of offering around-the-clock end-of-life care, Hospice of the Piedmont is closing their Center for Acute Hospice Care (CAHC) on Ivy Road in Charlottesville in August. “It gives us an opportunity to concentrate more on where patients want to be, which is home, and those services will still be provided,” Hospice of the Piedmont President and CEO Nancy Littlefield said. “[CAHC] is a 10-bed unit that we lease...and it’s for patients who might be having needs of a higher level of hospice care.” Littlefield says the main reason for closing the center is the lease is coming to an end and with uncertainty surrounding federal budget cuts of hospice care, continuing in this location is not sustainable. “Our hospice, as well as all hospices across the state, are having to be very cautious about what Medicaid and other reimbursement changes may occur under the current administration,” Littlefield said, “and I think the worst thing we can do for families and patients is to not be prepared.”

Home Health & Hospice’s 35th Jiggety Jog surpasses goal: Annual fundraiser supports McClure Miller Respite House Vermont Biz (VB), The University of Vermont Health Network - Home Health & Hospice; by Tim; 7/3/25 A rainy forecast couldn’t stop supporters of the McClure Miller Respite House from gathering on May 31 for the University of Vermont Health Network - Home Heath & Hospice’s 35th Jiggety Jog. The annual 5K run/walk raises funds to directly support the care of residents at the Respite House in Colchester. The 2025 Jiggety Jog included 247 participants and secured 530 donations surpassing the event goal of $125,000. Meeting this goal will provide more than 140 days of care at Vermont’s only Medicare-certified inpatient hospice residence. 

Solvay Hospice House to temporarily pause care in Duluth during impending nurses’ strike Northern News Now, Duluth, MN; by T Kaldahl; 7/1/25  The Solvay Hospice House in Duluth will temporarily pause care and transport existing patients when union nurses walk off the job next week. The hospice house relies on Essentia Health staff to help them provide care for their patients, according to Solvay leaders. Because of the MNA’s plans to begin an open-ended strike at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, amid ongoing contract negotiations, the hospice house will be without nursing staff. 

Celebrating our veterans this Independence DayCity SunTimes, Phoenix, AZ; by Lin Sue Flood; 7/2/25 Apple pie and hot dogs often take center stage on the Fourth of July, but the real stars are the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.  That’s why Hospice of the Valley care teams are delighted to honor veteran patients in meaningful ways — whether that is a tribute visit by another veteran, a birthday party or even sharing a unique recognition for their years of service. That recognition came in the form of an emotional reception and book signing for Korean War veteran Bob Withers. He was excited to share his story with Imprints of Honor for the Library of Congress’ Veteran History Project. The proud 96-year-old Marine asked his Hospice of the Valley chaplain, Kody Kness, and daughter, Lauren, to attend the recent event with him at Scottsdale Stadium to commemorate the 3,000th veteran interview for this national endeavor. “It was a great opportunity to honor so many veterans,” Bob shared. “I won’t ever forget this wonderful day.”

Community Hospice & Palliative Care launches “Mail Call” program to honor veteran patients ehospice - USA edition, Jacksonville, FL; 6/24/25 Community Hospice & Palliative Care® is proud to announce the launch of its new “Mail Call” program, designed to honor and appreciate our veteran patients in a deeply personal way. This initiative expands upon our existing veteran recognition ceremonies, enriching the end-of-life care experience for those who have served our country. The “Mail Call” program invites volunteers, students, and community members to write heartfelt letters to our veteran patients. These letters, reminiscent of the cherished mail from home during their service years, offer messages of gratitude, encouragement, and personal reflections. Participants can choose to include their name or school, allowing students to share their appreciation directly with our veterans.

Awards and Recognitions: June 2025

Chumash Tribe gives $15,000 to Hospice of Santa Barbara Noozhawk, Santa Barbara, CA; 7/1/25 The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians donated $15,000 to Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB), supporting ongoing patient care services for some 800 people annually in the Santa Barbara community. ... “Hospice of Santa Barbara fills a critical need in the community, providing vital care and services to patients and their families,” said Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “Our tribe is proud to support their efforts.” Over the past 13 years, they have donated a total of $63,000 toward the organization’s efforts to serve people in Santa Barbara experiencing a life-threatening illness or grieving the death of a loved one. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. 

[Canada] Hospice Northwest receives support to help unhoused people get palliative careCBC; by Sarah Law; 6/27/25Kimberley Ramsbottom, outreach program coordinator at Hospice Northwest, says it's important for everyone to have access to quality end-of-life services, no matter their personal circumstances. Accessing palliative care can be stressful for anyone, but for people experiencing homelessness, even getting to medical appointments can be an impossible barrier. The Palliative Advocacy Care Team (PACT) in Thunder Bay, Ont., works to address these challenges by connecting unhoused individuals who have life-limiting illnesses with essential services, such as food, transportation, communication methods and primary care... The $10,000 award will go directly to meeting clients' needs, from helping them find transportation, to getting a cellphone so their doctor can reach them about upcoming appointments.