Pediatric palliative care is a sub-specialty care with limited numbers of programs throughout the country. Currently, Sanford Health offers the only pediatric palliative care program in South Dakota. As a result, resources are limited both in terms of access to specialists and support for those specialists.
To improve access and support, LifeCircle-SD’s Hospice and Palliative Care Network will be joining forces with the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition of Minnesota (PPCCMN). They are an existing collaboration of professionals and community representatives who seek to improve pediatric palliative care through education and advocacy. They work with community networks throughout Minnesota and other areas.
Jody Chrastek, RN, DNP, CHPN, FPCN is co-chair of PPCCMN who is reaching out to neighboring states to build bridges supporting pediatric palliative care by broadening it to the Upper Midwest. By collaborating with their network, our pediatric providers will be able to draw from more resources for support in their work.
What does this mean moving forward? LifeCircle members who have an interest in pediatrics will be able to attend monthly meetings through the coalition. We will link resources and websites and collaboratively develop and promote more training. More information will be coming through LifeCircle’s monthly meeting.
Not a member of LifeCircle? Use this link to join and receive information on and participate in hospice and palliative care happening at the federal and state level.
