HPNA Issues Statement on Passing of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) offers sincere condolences to the Carter family after learning of the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on December 29.

Born October 1, 1924, to James Earl Carter, a farmer and businessman, and Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse, Jimmy Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia. After serving in the Navy as a submariner, Carter married and returned to Georgia, where he grew as a leader in the local community. In 1971, he was elected as Georgia’s 76th governor, and he later served as the 39th president of the United States, from 1977 to 1981. During his tenure, the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) launched a project that defined and assessed cost-effectiveness of hospice services, ultimately leading to the creation of the Medicare Hospice Benefit.

President Carter was known for his efforts to make government “competent and compassionate,” and his recent health status brought attention to the significant impact of hospice care. He entered home hospice care on February 18, 2023, and remained there through his passing. “Carter’s 22-month stay has helped dispel misconceptions that hospice care is only for the last few weeks of life,” said HPNA President Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN, ATSF. “High-quality hospice care can alleviate pain and suffering from physical and emotional symptoms for the individual nearing the end of their life. It can also extend support to the family by providing anticipatory guidance and bereavement care. The earlier hospice care is offered, the better the outcomes are for everyone involved.”

President Carter’s experience with hospice care has reinforced HPNA’s vision that every person living with serious illness receives equitable, comprehensive, and innovative hospice and palliative nursing care. To learn more about HPNA and hospice care, please visit www.advancingexpertcare.org.