The Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (MHPCO) serves as a recognized authority on end-of-life issues. MHPCO also strives to advocate for supportive public policies and to provide education to both consumers and professionals which increases awareness and understanding of the philosophy and principles of hospice and palliative care.

The Michigan Hospice Organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in August of 1979, as a charitable, advocacy organization dedicated to the growth of hospice care and the delivery of quality services to the terminally ill citizens of Michigan. Founded long before Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement mechanisms were in place, the organization and its member hospices operated for many years as volunteer entities, serving patients and their families throughout Michigan.

With the advent of the Medicare and Medicaid hospice benefits in the mid-80's, the hospice community experienced increased access and a sophistication of the business of hospice. In the mid-90's, the organization realized that the extensive interdisciplinary and holistic system of care (currently also referred to as "palliative care") that is offered to the dying has application in the care arena outside of hospice. The organization, in anticipation of expanded application of hospice and palliative care expertise, changed its name to the Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (MHPCO) in the spring of 1999.

Hospice still operates today with the use of volunteers in many capacities. The Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization staffs a toll-free referral phone line (1-800-536-6300) and operates a pro-bono hospice legal aid program for low income hospice patients, among its many other functions.

MHPCO Staff
The Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization staff is committed to providing members and the public with services and resources to improve end of life care and expand access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for the terminally ill and their families.

Jeff Towns, President and CEO
Natalie Brocieus, Education Coordinator
Lisa Buttigieg, Communications Coordinator
Valarie Wheeler, Member Services Coordinator

Contact MHPCO Staff by calling (517) 668-6396

MHPCO Board of Directors
The Michigan Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Board of Directors is made up of membership-elected, voluntary professionals who are committed to the mission of MHPCO. To review a list of the current members of the Board, please click on this link, MHPCO Board of Directors.