The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47428

Veronica D. Feeg, PhD, RN, FAAN and Marie P. Kodadek, PhD, RN. College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, MSN 3C4, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, 703-993-1940, rfeeg@erols.com

Attitudes toward death and dying are undergoing fundamental change. SOLACE (Supporters of Life Affirming Care at End-of-life) is a coalition of community leaders and organizations committed to better end of life care. Members include nurses, attorneys, physicians, social workers, chaplains and other key regional leaders who work in partnerships with faith based communities and others in their public education role. SOLACE members stimulate public discourse about the end of life experience and provide education to enable people make informed choices about what they want at life's end. Their seminars and programs reach a variety of faith based and secular communities instructing participants about the general issues involved in signing a living will. This paper will give an overview of the evolution of SOLACE as a community coalition and discuss the evalution of program outcomes from 2 major education activities for professionals and non-professionals implemented by the coalition.

Learning Objectives:

• 2. Describe the history and organizational structure of SOLACE (Supporters of Life-Affirming Care at End-of-life) as it grew within the community.
  5. Discuss the objectives of the public education committee and relationship with special groups in the community.
  8. Clarify misconceptions about the process and document known as a living will, durable proxy, or advance directive for better public understanding.
  11. Discuss the evaluation of outcomes and issues that have been commonly raised among community participants in the SOLACE ACP programs.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, End-of-Life Care

Related Web page: www.hospiceonline.org/Solace.asp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: SOLACE is a non-profit organization with members who are residents and/or professionals of Northern Virginia.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Chairperson, Core Planning Group President, SOLACE Board of Directors