Trinity Hospice's Sandra J. Petersen Earns Heart of Hospice Award from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Award Recognizes Outstanding Achievements in Hospice and Palliative Care; Represents Highest Industry Recognition Bestowed by Hospice Professionals Among Peers

DALLAS -- Trinity Hospice, the nation's eighth largest hospice care provider, announced today that Sandra (Sandi) J. Petersen, DNP, APRN, GNP-C, its chief nursing and compliance officer, was honored as one of this year's recipients of the Heart of Hospice Award from The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). The Heart of Hospice award was presented to Petersen at a ceremony during NHPCO's 22nd Annual Management and Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 20, 2007.

The Heart of Hospice Awards were created to acknowledge outstanding work in the end-of-life care field. The awards recognize individuals who have attained repeated outstanding achievements within the hospice arena and have made contributions with impact beyond hospice.

Over the years, Petersen has become a relentless advocate for hospice care. She has helped enhance the delivery of hospice care through the establishment of clinical compliance programs that have changed the approach for the industry as well as the hospice and assisted living organizations where she worked.

"One of the most important things we can do as individuals in this field is to recognize those who provide excellent care and pass this knowledge along to others," remarked J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. "By taking the time to focus on individuals who are leading the way in end-of-life care delivery, we advance the work being done by all hospice and palliative care professionals and ultimately increase the standard of care and access for all those in need."

Petersen commented on her acknowledgement: "I am privileged to be selected to receive this prestigious award and to be recognized by the industry for contributions made during my career. Hospice is a plan of care that is close to my heart, and each and every day, I get the opportunity to see the difference it makes in so many lives. I am pleased to be part of a healthcare offering that is so vital and reaps many benefits, particularly during life's most tender moments. I thank my industry peers for the recognition and honor."

Trinity Hospice president Dino Eliopoulos added: "Enhancing the delivery of hospice -- not only here at Trinity Hospice but throughout the industry -- has been Sandi's primary mission since choosing a career in healthcare about 30 years ago. Since that time, she has served as a true activist for hospice care, always championing the cause and finding ways to improve the delivery and quality of care while complying with rapidly changing regulations. All of us are extremely proud of Sandi's contributions to our patients, the communities we serve and the industry at large. We are fortunate that she is part of our team and that our patients have the chance to experience her compassion and benefit from her knowledge."

The Heart of Hospice Award offers an opportunity to acknowledge a colleague that leads by example, reaches out to positively impact care and services and shares their profession based on the values of hospice. Recipients are nominated by local hospice organizations and all nominees are reviewed by their peers. This is the highest recognition for hospice professionals given by hospice professionals. Awards are presented on behalf of NHPCO and the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals - a division of NHPCO's membership body. The award winners are nominated from across the country and represent a wealth of end-of-life care providers, professionals and researchers.

The NHPCO, based in Alexandria, Va., is the largest nonprofit membership organization, representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the U.S. It is committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.

Dallas-based Trinity Hospice offers palliative care and support services to terminally ill patients and their families. The company provides quality, comprehensive hospice care while remaining focused on meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their loved ones. The company operates from 24 locations across nine states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Please visit www.trinityhospice.com to learn more.

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