SAN DIEGO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 31, 2008 -- For many Americans living with a serious, progressive illness, the goal is to remain and die at home -- not in a hospital, nursing home or other facility. But statistics show that nearly 75 percent of all deaths occur in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

However, 90% of hospice care patients do remain in their homes to realize their wish. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that patients on hospice care live longer and better lives.

In San Diego County, only half the individuals who could benefit from hospice care and palliative medicine receive it. As part of their mission, and as the focus for National Hospice Month in November, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine urges healthcare professionals and consumers to learn about the many benefits that hospice care can provide to seriously ill patients and their family members.

"Every individual and their family who could benefit from hospice care that doesn't is a missed opportunity to radically change their experience for the better," said Jan Cetti, President and CEO of San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. "There are far too many of them."

San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine was established as the original hospice program in San Diego County in 1977. Today, the organization has become one of the 10 largest and most well respected not-for-profit hospices in the nation. One thousand patients ranging from children to seniors receive care in the region every day. In addition, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine offers bereavement support to 11,000 community members and advanced education and research programs in palliative medicine for 1,400 physicians and clinicians each year.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders commended San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine for its ongoing leadership. "San Diego's science and medical communities are part of the foundation of our economy. The research, education and innovations they provide create jobs and link our region with the world. San Diego Hospice and Institute for Palliative Medicine is an important member of this business sector. Now, on behalf of all San Diegans and during National Hospice Month, it is my pleasure to recognize the hands-on care and other benefits that the organization offers to our region."

"We exist to make a difference: to relieve suffering, to restore dignity and to teach other medical professionals and organizations how to make a difference in their own communities," said Cetti. "I'm extremely proud of our employees and volunteers who are devoted to what they do. Our work brings constant reminders that every moment of life is a fragile miracle to be cherished. We're honored to be involved with people at such a special and critical time in their lives."

To learn about the benefits of hospice care, visit online: www.sdhospice.org or call toll-free (866) 688-1600.

     CONTACT:
     Melissa DelaCalzada
     (619) 278-6139
     mdelacalzada@sdhospice.org