Palliative and End of Life Care – Private Debate in a Public Forum

Journalists, lawmakers, end of life care experts weigh in on difficult topic, next steps

Washington — The intense debate over end of life care this year caused many Americans to examine their own beliefs about end of life preparations, and to make their wishes known to loved ones. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will continue this dialogue with end of life experts, journalists and lawmakers to explore the media’s role in changing public perception of these issues.

• Hosted at the NASW Delegate Assembly—a tri-annual event where 300 social workers from all over the country convene to vote on NASW’s public policies—this panel discussion will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 5 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill ( 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW ).

Joining moderator Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, NASW executive director and an expert on end of life care in her own right, will be an esteemed group of panelists:

• Kathy Brandt , National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
• Eleanor Clift , Newsweek
• Ceci Connolly , The Washington Post
• Jon Cooper , Senator Bill Nelson’s Office
• Hugh Delehanty , AARP Magazine
• Kathy Smolinski , The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

The panel discussion will cover the media’s role in shaping perceptions of end of life care and how journalists report on this ethical dilemma. It will also address what national organizations, health institutions and legislators are doing to change policies, build awareness and move forward after the Terri Schiavo case.

Every three years, elected delegate social workers develop and approve policy statements that guide NASW’s national and state advocacy efforts. All NASW policies are compiled in Social Work Speaks , a resource for the social work community, the public and the media.

For more information about the End of Life Panel, NASW’s Delegate Assembly or Social Work Speaks, please contact NASW’s Communications Office by phone at 202-336-8228 or by e-mail at media@naswdc.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.