Message from BCHPCA Board President
Donna Flood

The BCHPCA Board of Directors would like wish Lorraine Gerard all the best, as she retired from the position of Executive Director of the organization on October 26^th, 2018 to focus on her health and her family.
The BCHPCA Board of Directors is committed to supporting our members as we move the organization forward to meet the goals of our strategic plan.  We are working closely with our partners such as the BC Centre for Palliative Care and the Sovereign Order of Saint John to provide our members with the Advocacy, Support, Education and Public Awareness they have come to value.
The BCHPCA, like many not for profits, has faced periods of financial vulnerability. The BCHPCA Board of Directors is working towards a fund development strategy that will ensure we remain solvent for many years to come.
As we enter into a new era for BCHPCA we are committed to hospice palliative care in BC and providing our members with information, education and opportunities that are relevant to each society's unique needs.

The Board of Directors is committed to recruiting a strong leader to help support us all in the valuable work that we do.

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It is that time of year again!
 BCHPCA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Maintaining your Membership in BCHPCA is extremely important as we work together to advance quality hospice palliative care for all British Columbians.  All BCHPCA Memberships expire on December 31st.  BCHPCA will be sending out renewal notices in December.

 Let us remind you about the benefits of membership in BCHPCA:

• The opportunity to be a part of the collective voice shaping the future and advancement of hospice palliative care in BC and Canada; 

• One vote at the BCHPCA Annual General Meeting;
  

• Affiliate Status (non-voting) in the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA);
  

• Discounts on registration for CHPCA and BCHPCA conferences and/or institutes and on merchandise offered on CHPCA online Marketplace.

• Regular communication from BCHPCA on issues of interest;

• Eligibility to apply for annual Sovereign Order of St John grants (limited to organizations with charitable status);

• Eligibility for the BCHPCA-Westland Group Insurance Program for affordable and customized insurance, see http://bchpca.org/membership/ for details;

• Eligibility for the BCHPCA-OASSIS Group for affordable, comprehensive employee benefits, see  http://bchpca.org/membership/ for details;

• Eligibility to enroll in OASSIS' new EAP program for trained hospice volunteers;

• Access to CHPCA-sponsored interest groups, and

• CHPCA's AVISO e-newsletter and regular national updates

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BCHPCA Conference 2018:
Leadership and Learning

BCHPCA was pleased to once again partner with the BC Center for Palliative Care to offer a stream of sessions specifically targeted to health care professionals. These sessions included topics such as: Sexuality and Intimacy in Life Limiting Illness; Existential Suffering; Pain Management, beyond step 3; Possible use of cannabis for emotional and physical distress and Palliative Sedation. Read more

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Canadian Institute for Health Information

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides essential information on Canada’s health systems and the health of Canadians. CIHI was created in 1994 to forge a common approach to Canadian health information.
CIHI Vision: Better data. Better decisions. Healthier Canadians.  Read more

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A Hospice Story:  When Seasons Change, Grief Shows up (Again)

Submitted by: Denise Torgerson, Prince George Hospice House Grief Support Worker - April 30, 2018

Well it's time for summer! The warmth, the yard work, the gardening, getting the RV ready for camping, all of these activities are reasons for happiness, yes?

I have had numerous conversations with people who have lost a loved one lately and they are telling me that they are having a really hard time right now. That the grief feels more intense.

It is not just husbands and wives. This is showing up with sisters, brothers, friends, moms, dads and roommates.

It is a reality for some, that all of these activities that have been reasons for happiness in the past, are now reasons for mourning.

Yard work, gardening and RV's are usually activities that are shared.  The conversations that happen as you plan the garden, the working together to get the yard work done, and of course the summer camping plans.

And their person is not with them. Planning the garden isn't as much fun without those conversations, doing the yard work is – well – it's harder, or simply doesn't mean as much. And making plans for the summer, getting the RV ready, throws them into the question – "who am I now, without my person?"

I am writing this article for two reasons. The first is for to those who are grieving. I know this doesn't make your experience any easier, but I want you to know that you are not alone. This season change is the most difficult for many people. There is nothing wrong with you. The grief is more present. The absence is felt more now. The frustration and sadness and sometimes anger is almost tangible now. This is a normal experience in grieving. It is intense, it is difficult and it is uncomfortable. Be gentle with yourself. Extreme self-care is necessary.

The second reason I am writing this is to reach out to others who know someone who has lost a loved one. If you could offer some help, or an invitation, or even a phone call. Just be available to your friends in what ever way works for them. What they are going through is real and it is not to be diminished. When people are grieving they tend to keep to themselves, and while sometimes this is necessary, it is good for them to be aware that people have their back. It is good for them to know that there are people who care and who understand.