Expanding Access to Community-Based Palliative Care
I recently had the opportunity to moderate a convening organized by the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care and The John A. Hartford Foundation, focused on measuring and expanding community-based palliative care access. It was a powerful reminder that patient-centered serious illness care can improve outcomes for patients and families—and that the field is full of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to make that a reality.
Recognizing the Power of Community-Based Care
One of the most consistent themes across the convening was the power of local, community-driven approaches. Successful care models don't emerge from a single playbook—they are shaped by the populations they serve, the workforces available to them, and the systems in which they operate. Personalized care becomes more effective when we meet patients where they are, both literally and figuratively.
This is why state flexibility matters so much. No two communities are identical, and the most effective palliative care programs are those that adapt to their unique contexts. Elea Institute's mission of funding community-specific needs aligns directly with this principle—we believe that tailored solutions, not one-size-fits-all mandates, are what will move the needle on access and quality.
A Path Forward
Expanding palliative care access requires collaboration among providers, policymakers, and communities. No single organization or sector can do this alone. It demands shared data, shared goals, and a willingness to learn from one another—including from under-resourced settings that have often pioneered creative solutions out of necessity.
Elea Institute actively engages in these partnership efforts. We convene industry leaders nationally and internationally, seeking to spark impactful conversations that result in tangible growth in the field. Moments like the convening I had the privilege of moderating are exactly where those conversations begin—and where change takes root.
I look forward to continuing this work alongside our partners, grantees, and the broader palliative care community. The need is urgent, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference has never been greater.