Circle of Life Award: Celebrating Innovation in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
The Circle of Life Award honors innovative palliative and end-of-life care programs of any size serving patients with serious or life-limiting illness that demonstrate progress in 1 or more of the following areas:
- Providing access to care grounded in the Institute of Medicine's Safe, Timely, Effective, Efficient, Equitable, and Patient-centered (STEEEP) framework
- Demonstrating that palliative care is fully integrated into the care continuum
- Developing new, innovative models of care that elevate palliative and end-of-life care standards
- Using evidence-based tools to track progress and improve services and
- Collaborating with community organizations to improve health and minimize disparities
Honorees are typically:
- Emphasizing coordinated or integrated care delivery throughout all settings
- Engaging all populations
- Promoting palliative care in a multitude of populations
- Using strategies for engaging communities
- Creating partnerships with other healthcare organizations and practitioners, and initiatives within long-term care facilities
Rural organizations have received the award in the past. Awards will be presented at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit, July 18-20 in San Diego, California.
All organizations or groups in the United States that provide direct care for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses are eligible for the award.
Palliative care programs must be in place for a minimum of 3 years. Innovations and achievements must have a minimum of 2 years of data at the time of submission to support their success and sustainability.
Prior awardees may not apply again for 3 years.
Up to 3 awards are presented each year. Additional finalists will also be recognized.
One representative from the honoree organization will receive complimentary registration, flights, and hotel accommodations.
Links to the application preview and instructions are available on the program website.
For complete information about funding programs, including your
application status, please contact funders directly. Summaries are provided
for your convenience only. RHIhub does not take part in application processes
or monitor application status.