Current Events


The HAP Foundation and Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Sign Three-Year Agreement for Operational Support, Advocacy Partnership

Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (IL-HPCO) has reached a three-year agreement with The HAP Foundation to provide counsel, partnership, assistance, and operationalsupport through a customary association management contract. The HAP Foundation provides professional leadership experience within the hospice and palliative care field, which strongly aligns with IL-HPCO’s notable history and present work. IL-HPCO is committed to promoting and enhancing palliative and end-of-life care in the state of Illinois through education, advocacy, technical and supportive services. Similarly, The HAP Foundation’s core programs are focused on providing education, research, advocacy, and workforce development for hospice, palliative care, and grief support.

“With our strong alignment in advancing hospice and palliative care, The HAP Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide association management services to coalitions, such as IL-HPCO, that represent palliative and hospice care providers statewide,” said Joseph Matty, President of The HAP Foundation. “Working with IL-HPCO leadership, The HAP Foundation will complement the existing infrastructure while expanding its opportunities beyond its current capabilities. The natural progression of this partnership aligns with our mutual goals of creating a better continuum of care for individuals with a serious illness through the evolution of their life.”

“IL-HPCO is excited to be working with HAP and begin a partnership with an organization with which we share passions, polished professionalism, and community commitments,” said Doug Irvin, IL-HPCO Board Chair.

Founded in 1980, IL-HPCO’s mission is to expand access to exceptional hospice and palliative care for patients and families coping with the close of life experience. Sara Dado with The HAP Foundation will serve as Executive Director of IL-HPCO and work closely with their Board of Directors and leadership. Dado served on IL-HPCO’s Board of Directors from 2018 to 2022, in which she held leadership positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Government Affairs committee during that time.

The HAP Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that supports adults and children living with serious illnesses and their families. Through this dedication, The HAP Foundation is committed to providing management staff that has hospice and palliative care experience, understands the industry thehapfoundation.org landscape, and is focused on assisting coalitions, collaborations, and associations committed to improving serious illness care in managing their operations, education, and advocacy efforts. Additionally, consulting in end-of-life care and growth of the Community Health Worker profession in serious illness are offered at The HAP Foundation.

Further Reading: Hospice News