Why does AHPCA exist?

• We raise public awareness of hospice palliative care, so people like Ed and Anne aren’t scared to ask about it.
• We support professionals and volunteers to provide good quality hospice and palliative care, so people like Ed and Anne’s oncologists, nurses, occupational therapists, reflexologists, and volunteers can do their best.
• We help people, like Ed and Anne, access quality hospice palliative care services, with our Resource Directory.

The AHPCA supports professionals, caregivers and volunteers to help them provide quality hospice palliative care through:

1. Roadshows  Every year AHPCA runs a series of full-day workshops on palliative care training and development. Over 3,000 Albertans have attended Roadshow over the past twelve years.
2. Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Fund  Hospice or palliative care organizations who are members of the AHPCA can apply to receive funds for volunteer appreciation or retention. This fund is intended
   • for volunteer-related purposes,
   • not for wages, alcoholic beverages or advertising, and
   • will be inclusive and accessible to all volunteers (regardless of location, mobility or culture).
3. Caregiver Awards  The AHPCA grants an annual award to an individual who is an unpaid palliative caregiver. The work of informal palliative caregivers is vital to the independence and dignity of the people they help.
4. Re-Imagine Conferences  Every year, the AHPCA hosts a conference for hospice palliative care organizations and individuals from across Alberta to learn about palliative care issues, share developments from their communities, and connect with each other to strengthen the network among passionate individuals who care about hospice, palliative and end-of-life. Become an AHPCA member and receive a discounted rate when you register for this conference. Typically, about 50 people attend from 25 different organizations.

The AHPCA engages in education, advocacy, and provision of resources to achieve comprehensive and quality hospice, palliative, and end-of-life care for all Albertans through:

1. Palliative Care Training for the Community  This two-day, in-person training is based on the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Volunteer Training Manual which is recognized across Canada. It will give volunteers, caregivers and interested community members the confidence to provide quality support services in any setting, whether that is in hospice, care centres or a private home.By fostering a deeper understanding of palliative care and enhancing skill sets, we aim to break down misconceptions and reduce stigma surrounding end-of-life issues, and hope to create a more supportive, informed, and compassionate environment for all.
2. Learn Portal  This online learning is available to members of the AHPCA or volunteers of hospice palliative care organizations.
3. Resource Directory  AHPCA maintains an online directory of Alberta-wide palliative care services, accessible to anyone.
4. LIFE Videos  We recognize that not everyone has immediate access to services to help them cope with the natural stresses associated with hospice palliative care. AHPCA created a series of short videos on topics like vicarious trauma and caregiver burnout, meant to provide answers and support to anybody at any time.

The AHPCA raises public and political awareness of hospice palliative care. How?

1. Events Calendar  The AHPCA online calendar tracks upcoming educational opportunities and local events.
2. Social Media  The AHPCA promotes those upcoming events on our social media channels. We also highlight relevant news and articles relating to hospice palliative care issues.
3. Government Relations  We liase with the provincial and federal government and make recommendations that recognize the importance of supporting hospice palliative care in Alberta.

Roadshows have educated over 3,000 Albertans on hospice palliative care topics.

The You’re Not Alone – Grief Connection program connected grieving Albertans with trained volunteers for friendly support by telephone.

The Living Every Season program provided safe, confidential support in a social setting for adults living with a life-limiting illness.

The Annual Imagine Conference unites grassroots hospice groups, who usually work in isolation, to learn together and network.

The Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Fund supports hospice palliative care organizations to appreciate and retain their volunteers.

The Dr. Donna Wilson Caregiver Award provides a recognition of $500 to an unpaid caregiver who contributes the independence and dignity of the person they help, through their compassion and perseverance.

AHPCA’s Resource Directory helps palliative patients and caregivers find the help they need.

Our LIFE videos (Learning Insights for Everyday) and Relaxation Moment videos help palliative caregivers, family, friends and patients take time out for self-care.

The AHPCA Events Calendar tells people about upcoming palliative events.

The AHPCA Facebook page, Twitter feed, LinkedIn page and Instagram promotes palliative educational events and relevant articles about hospice palliative care.

There are several ways you can support the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Donate. The  AHPCA needs financial support for our programs and educational events through donations.

Volunteer. If you have a passion for community with experience in finance, business development, marketing, legal services, advocacy or privacy legislation and want to make a meaningful difference, become a Board Member. Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Join. Become an AHPCA member to become better informed about hospice palliative care issues.

Follow AHPCA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.