History

The Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association (MHPCA) was incorporated in January 1980 and received its 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit status in January 1981. For eleven years MHPCA was supported solely by volunteer efforts. In 1991 a part-time Executive Secretary was hired to assist with the increasing organizational and communication needs. In 1992 MHPCA through the encouragement of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and in an effort to strengthen state organization hired a full-time Executive Director.

Through the years, MHPCA has provided educational and technical assistance to the growing number of hospice programs in the state encouraging growth and quality of service. Missouri hospices are linked in partnership with one another. Missouri hospices all have a goal of serving terminally ill patients and their families. Missouri hospices share resources, ideas, support and encouragement with one another.

MHPCA MISSION:
The Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association (MHPCA) is the state-wide not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support and strengthen coordinated care for terminally ill Missourians and their families through the advancement of hospice and palliative care.

The purpose of Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association is:

* To promote hospice and palliative care to patients and their families;

* To promote understanding among health care professionals of the needs and resources available to hospice or palliative care patients and their families;

* To promote communication among existing and  developing hospice and palliative care programs within Missouri and at the regional and national levels of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization;

* To promote improved health care legislation and regulation of standards for hospice care and palliative care at all governmental levels;

* To advocate for appropriate reimbursement;

* To promote education for the general public about hospice and palliative care;

* To promote education for hospice and palliative care providers;

* To promote research in the fields of hospice and palliative care.