Huntington Society of Canada reaches rural areas
Thanks to a new partnership with the BC Centre for Palliative Care (BCCPC) and a $5000 grant, the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) is expanding its services to reach rural and remote communities in BC and educating them on Huntington disease (HD) palliative care approaches.
Currently, there are families impacted by HD that do not have access to critical support including information about palliative care and how to build a network of support. By expanding the program to rural and remote communities in BC, these individuals and families will have the opportunity to connect with the HSC Family Services Team for support and information on palliative care through the HD Education Program.
The HD Education Program strives to help break down the sense of isolation experienced by those impacted and assist individuals and families in making informed decisions about their life by gaining access to support and information. Palliative care, especially, is a critical component of the program. By introducing palliative care early in the course of the disease, individuals and families have the opportunity to integrate their learning and work with HD staff to prepare a long-term plan.
Since spring 2016, BCCPC, in partnership with the British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association, has provided seed grants, totaling $304 858, to support 67 projects delivered by 48 hospice societies and other not-for-profit organizations across BC.
Communities who wish to have an information session held by HSC on HD palliative care in their area are encouraged to contact the British Columbia Resource Centre or HSC by calling 604 822-7195 or emailing Rhonda Romolock at rromolock@huntingtonsociety.ca.
For more information about HD and HSC visit www.huntingtonsociety.ca.
The BC Centre for Palliative Care is a provincial organization that supports not-for-profit organizations that strive to improve the everyday experiences for people affected by serious illness or who are nearing end of life.
The British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association is a not-for-profit, membership organization that has been representing individuals and organizations committed to promoting and delivering hospice/palliative care to British Columbians since 1986.