April 21, 2008

(Washington, DC) – Samira K. Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope Hospice and Community Services, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Hospice Foundation (NHF).

Established in 1992, the NHF is committed to leading global, philanthropic efforts advancing quality, compassionate, end-of-life care for all. Beckwith joins other Board members from around the country in working to ensure that at the end of life, people have the opportunity to maintain their dignity and self respect, live their final days pain-free, and have access the highest quality care available through hospice.

“Service on the National Hospice Foundation Board is another way of serving our own local community,” Beckwith said. “Working with the other Board members and sharing ideas will lead to improving the overall quality of hospice care for everyone.”

As an NHF Board member, Beckwith will work to increase awareness and access, while educating the public about the quality and availability of hospice care.

“The ultimate vision of National Hospice Foundation is a world where individuals and families facing serious illness, death and grief will experience the best that humankind can offer,” remarked Foundation President J. Donald Schumacher. “The dedication and participation of recognized leaders in the hospice and palliative care field, like Samira Beckwith, are vital to the ongoing advancement of the Foundation.”

Hope Hospice and Community Services is a not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3)-status community-based health care agency, providing a variety of services to all people with complex needs related to transitions, loss and end of life. Hope is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), the national leader in improving the quality of care in the home care industry, and is a recipient of the nationally acclaimed Circle of Life Award for excellence and innovation in patient care. Licensed by the State of Florida since 1984.

Support Hope as a donor or volunteer by calling 800-835-1673.