National Hospice Association Recognizes Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s Work to Promote End-of-Life Care

WASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter’s passing, Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the national voice for nonprofit advanced illness, hospice, and palliative care providers, released the following statement on Mrs. Carter’s passing:

“NPHI is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, just days after her courageous decision to enter hospice-at-home care,” said Koutsoumpas. “We send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Rosalynn Carter’s family, particularly her husband, President Jimmy Carter who is currently receiving hospice care. We are confident that the former President continues to receive the full complement of high-quality and personalized care services, including vital bereavement support for him and his family at this time.”

Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s decision to enter hospice has ignited a national conversation around important health care options available during any stage of life, including both in-patient and in the home, as well as end-of-life issues, including hospice and palliative care options. Along with the former president and first lady, millions of Americans facing advanced illness and their caregivers face challenges in how to make the best care decisions possible as they age.
 
“Rosalynn Carter’s legacy extends beyond her time in the White House, as she continued to be a force for positive change in the years that followed,” Koutsoumpas said. “Her unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes, from mental health to caregiving, serves as an inspiration to us all. In mourning her passing, we celebrate the life of a trailblazer who used her position of influence to advocate for those often overlooked, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, empathy and a call to action for a more inclusive and supportive society.”