CEO Message: November 2025

Erin White, with Gratitude Luncheon speaker and end-of-life doula, Alua Arthur, and Dr. John Hausdorff, founding member of the Monterey County Palliative Care Collaborative and medical director of the hospice and palliative care programs at Montage Health.

Dear Friends,

When I reflect on what I am grateful for this Thanksgiving, I think of Wednesday nights at Hospice Giving Foundation. More specifically, the first Wednesday of every month, when the Monterey County Palliative Care Collaborative gathers in our conference room. This collaborative formed in 2018 with the intention of bringing together healthcare providers who care for those living with serious and complex illness. The initial goal was to enhance communication, coordination, and problem-solving among those on the frontlines, including our local hospice teams. Over time, it has grown into a community of professionals and friends who share stories, laughter, and mutual support, offering a brief moment of respite in a field that can be demanding and isolating.

Each meeting begins with a shared meal–usually a couple of pizzas and a smattering of potluck-style dishes. After dinner, we settle into a topic of mutual interest. Sometimes we invite a speaker. Other times the conversation unfolds naturally or centers on a case study or two. Occasionally, the group focuses on an initiative such as strengthening coordination between palliative care, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities.

What stays with me, long after everyone has gone home, are the people in the room. They include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, nurse practitioners, doulas, and chaplains from across our hospitals, hospices, and palliative care programs. The collaborative now has more than 150 members. They arrive in scrubs, or straight from late-afternoon rounds, or on their way home to their families. They pull up chairs, share food, and talk honestly about what they are seeing, what is working, and what could be better for patients and families throughout Monterey County.

I often describe this group as people who are part scientist and part angel. Their work requires extraordinary clinical expertise, yet it also calls for deep humanity, and that is what I see in every conversation. I feel fortunate and proud that Hospice Giving Foundation can create a space where these conversations unfold and where the ideas and hearts of some of the hardest working people in medicine are held.

Many people still ask, “What exactly is palliative care?” There is widespread misunderstanding, which means families often do not receive support early enough. Palliative care is not hospice. Hospice is specialized care for people approaching the end of life. Palliative care, on the other hand, is available to anyone living with a long-term or complex illness. It is typically provided by a multidisciplinary team that may include a physician, nurse, pharmacist, social worker, and spiritual care provider. Together, they help patients manage symptoms, understand treatment options, and navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with serious illness. Dr. Nadine Semer, palliative care physician at Salinas Valley Health, often refers to palliative care clinicians as “medical interpreters,” because they help align information and care across specialties and help families make decisions based on their values and goals.

What many people in Monterey County might not realize is that we have strong, well-established palliative care programs here. Through the support of Hospice Giving Foundation and so many of you, Montage Health, Salinas Valley Health, CCVNA, and Natividad all have dedicated palliative care medical directors and teams. We also support pediatric palliative care through Coastal Kids Home Care and Hospice of Santa Cruz, who bring invaluable expertise to children and families throughout our region.

As I think about these Wednesday night gatherings, I picture people arriving straight from work to share food, conversation, and a deep sense of purpose. The room fills with warmth, mutual respect, and the comfort of being among others who care deeply about their patients and about one another. It is a kind of communion that feels both ordinary and sacred—like our very own Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support of our work.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Warm regards,

Erin White
President & CEO

P.S. This year’s MCGives! campaign supports our mission to care for local end-of-life and palliative care providers. To join us in supporting them, please consider a gift today.