#United States #Chicago #hospice care #Palliative Medicine #Yuki Noguchi

Recognition of Impactful Contributions to Palliative Care

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) has announced its esteemed Presidential Citation honorees for 2026, shining a light on individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to the hospice and palliative care sphere. This recognition will take place during the upcoming Annual Assembly scheduled from March 4 to 6 in San Diego, California.

This year’s honorees include the American Heart Association, the Dempsey Center, and journalist Yuki Noguchi. Each of these recipients has made significant advancements in enhancing access to and fostering education around palliative care, highlighting its crucial role during severe illnesses.

Dr. Arif Kamal, the AAHPM 2025 Board President, emphasized the importance of the awards, stating that they honor remarkable work aimed at improving palliative care and related fields. He described the honorees as advocates, pioneers, and partners in a collective effort to elevate care in this critical area.

The American Heart Association stands out as the oldest and largest voluntary organization in the United States, dedicated to combating heart disease and stroke. Their commitment to fostering communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding palliative care is instrumental, particularly amidst the reality of cardiovascular diseases— which continue to dominate as a leading chronic health issue in the country.

Michele Bolles, the Executive Vice President of Quality, Outcomes Research, and Analytics at the American Heart Association, expressed gratitude for the honor, underscoring their mission to integrate cardiology and palliative care. She believes this integration is vital for providing holistic and compassionate support to patients coping with heart disease, which complements their ongoing efforts to prioritize quality of life in cardiovascular treatments.

Meanwhile, the Dempsey Center, founded by actor Patrick Dempsey in 2008, offers comprehensive, supportive cancer care free of charge. Dempsey established this center based on his experiences as a primary caregiver for his mother, reinforcing the importance of mental, physical, social, and emotional support amid cancer struggles, which is central to palliative care.

Dempsey shared his pride in the recognition from AAHPM, indicating that his personal journey in caregiving has deeply influenced their mission to provide compassionate and supportive care.

Completing the list of honorees is Yuki Noguchi, a Science Desk Correspondent at NPR. Since joining NPR in 2008, she has covered critical health-related issues, including the impact of the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and advancements in cancer care. Her journalism highlights crucial elements influencing palliative care such as accessibility in rural areas, telehealth services, and the significance of research-backed recommendations.

Noguchi expressed her humility upon receiving this award, attributing her success to the dedication of healthcare professionals and the courage of patients who share their stories. She aims to utilize storytelling to foster understanding and inspiration, aligning with AAHPM's mission to support both healthcare providers and their patients.

For further details regarding the 2026 Presidential Citations, visit AAHPM's official site.

About AAHPM

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) serves as a professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative care, alongside nurses, social workers, and other health practitioners focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious health challenges. For over three decades, AAHPM has dedicated itself to increasing access to high-quality palliative care and advancing the specialty through continued education and policy advocacy. Governed by a 20-member Board of Directors, AAHPM operates with a full-time staff, aided by the Association Management Center based in Chicago, Illinois.