Honoring Excellence in Hospice and Advanced Illness Care
At NPHI, we believe it is essential to recognize the individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to strengthen care for patients and families across the country.
Lifetime in Excellence Award
Recognizes an individual whose career has shaped the field of hospice and advanced illness care nationally through sustained leadership, vision, and impact. This honor celebrates those whose contributions have strengthened care delivery and advanced the mission of nonprofit providers nationwide.
Recipients:
- 2026: Jay Mahoney (former President of the National Hospice Organization)
- 2025: Samira K. Beckwith, LCSW, FACHE
- 2024 (Inaugural): Judi Lund Person, MPH, CHC
Chirag Patel Legacy Award
Honors the legacy of Ohio’s Hospice late Chief Medical officer, Dr. Chirag Patel, by recognizing a leader who reflects his commitment to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and service to patients and families. This award celebrates those who carry forward his vision through meaningful impact in hospice and palliative care.
Recipients:
- 2026: Edward W. Martin, MD, MPH, FACP, FAAHPM, Chief Medical Officer, HopeHealth
- 2025: Bethany Snider, MD, HMDC, FAAHPM, Chief Medical Officer, Hosparus Health
- 2024: Chirag Patel, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Ohio’s Hospice (posthumously; accepted on his behalf by his wife, Dr. Rana Patel)
Healthcare in Action Innovation Award
Recognizes organizations and leaders advancing innovative approaches that improve quality, access, and outcomes in serious illness and end-of-life care. This award highlights forward-thinking models and initiatives that are shaping the future of care delivery.
Recipients:
- 2026: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing (accepted by Abraham “Ab” Brody, PhD, RN, FAAN)
- 2025: American Cancer Society (accepted by Arif Kamal, MD, MBA, MHS, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO, Chief Patient Officer)
- 2024: American Lung Association (accepted by Harold Wimmer, President and CEO)
- 2023: AARP
- 2022: The SCAN Foundation
NPHI Champion of End-of-Life Care Award
Recognizes an individual whose advocacy, leadership, or influence has elevated awareness and strengthened the delivery of high-quality end-of-life care. This award honors those whose distinguished service to NPHI — often including Board leadership and founding contributions — has helped shape and advance the organization and its mission.
Recipients:
- 2024: Christy Whitney Borchard (Founder Emerita)
We welcome recommendations for individuals and organizations deserving of recognition.
We appreciate every recommendation received; however, we may not be able to respond to each submission.
