National Jewish Health Receives $1M Donation for Palliative Care Program

The Daniels Fund, a Denver-based charitable foundation, has donated $1 million to advance National Jewish Health palliative care services. Palliative care is an important part of comprehensive patient care, providing physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual support for those who have serious illnesses.

National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, provides palliative care to patients with a range of conditions, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatologic conditions, infectious diseases and interstitial lung disease. Patients receive comprehensive care from board-certified hospice and palliative care providers, social workers and clinical dieticians. The program also assists with advance care planning and access to community resources.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the Daniels Fund, which will allow us to expand our palliative care program. It is an essential element of patient-centered care to improve the lives of patients with chronic respiratory and related diseases and their families,” said Michael Salem, MD, President and CEO of National Jewish Health.

National Jewish Health also leads research to enhance understanding of the benefits of palliative care. In a 2014 study, palliative care providers at the institution evaluated its effects for late-stage COPD patients. The researchers found that patients experienced less depression after receiving palliative care.

“Daniels Fund’s support of the National Jewish Health Palliative Care Program reflects our founder’s compassion for helping others,” said Linda Childears, President and CEO of Daniels Fund. “Palliative care is an invaluable service for patients, and patients’ families, who are facing serious illnesses. We’re pleased to support this program.”

Bill Daniels, a pioneer in a cable television known for his compassion for people and unwavering commitment to ethics, established the Daniels Fund to provide grants and scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

“The Daniels Fund is a tremendous asset to our community and provides vital funding to organizations across the region,” said Blair E. Richardson, a member of the National Jewish Health Board of Directors Executive Committee. “We are grateful for its longstanding support of National Jewish Health and its dedication to advancing our palliative care program.”