CSUSM is home to a healthcare institute that is making a difference in the lives of patients with serious or chronic illness and their families.

The CSU Institute for Palliative Care, which has its home at CSUSM, is a statewide initiative that focuses on educating the healthcare workforce necessary to provide support for patients with serious or chronic illnesses, both today and tomorrow.

CSUSM was specifically selected to commence this program because of the belief that the school has a talent for innovation and excellence.

The term “palliative care” refers to therapies that provide patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress that comes with any serious illness. Palliative care offers therapies that ease symptoms and improve quality of life that are delivered on their own or as a complement to curative therapies.

In the midst of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Executive Director of the Institute, Helen McNeal, wants to educate and spread awareness to the community about Palliative Care.

“Palliative Care is really ensuring that patients with a serious or chronic illness and their families are able to deal with illness and any symptoms or side effects, and achieve the best possible quality of life,” McNeal said.

She explains that the benefits of Palliative Care are important to understand as they can provide patients and families with the opportunity to have the best care possible.

“Research shows that people who receive Palliative Care, along with their curative treatments, live longer, are happier with their care and have a better quality of life,”McNeal said

McNeal also explains the reasons why the CSU is such an important venue for the advancement of Palliative Care and other healthcare work.

“Across the CSU system, we graduate about 15% of the health care workforce in the United States,” McNeal said. “We are well positioned to educate current and future health care professionals as well as the community, who need to understand and access Palliative Care.”

As the Institute celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, McNeal also emphasizes the differences between Hospice Care and Palliative Care.

“Many people think that Palliative Care and Hospice Care are the same, but that’s not the case. Hospice care is appropriate for patients who have 6 months or less to live and have chosen to stop curative treatment. Palliative Care can be used from point of diagnosis onwards and is delivered along with curative treatments. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month focuses public attention on both and helps people understand the differences,” McNeal said.

Palliative Care is a growing necessity as the number of people with serious or chronic illnesses increases. The CSU Institute for Palliative Care offers courses for healthcare professionals and classes for community members who are looking to learn more. These educational resources are increasing the knowledge of health care providers and enabling them to provide patients with important therapies and resources during a difficult time in their lives.