CHAT supports 13 Lutheran hospital-based Palliative Care (PC) teams composed of a full-time nurse coordinator, an assistant, and a social worker with part-time support from a pastor and oversight from a physician. The PC team works with the community to recruit and train Home Based Care (HBC) volunteers. The HBC volunteers identify and provide services primarily to those living with HIV/AIDS. In cases of severe illness or worsening disease, volunteers refer individuals/families to the PC team who deliver a full spectrum of services from medical care to spiritual support and bereavement counseling.

To reinforce these services, the PC teams partner with local congregations in the communities and identify vulnerable children. Depending on the child’s needs, the program provides bedding, nutritional support, health care, or educational resources. Through these partnerships, the community and families of palliative care patients are supported.

By October 2009, 517 home-based care volunteers were working in the community providing support to 10,850 individuals. In addition, 8,500 orphans and vulnerable children have received services. Every CHAT site has been partnered with a US hospice through FHSSA’s Partnership program so that each organization can have access to individualized and continued support and sustainability into the future.

For further information contact the NPI Director – Shelley Smith at ssmith@fhssa.org or 703-647-6695.