IAGH at 2025 CHAPCA Annual Conference
Representing the heart of community-based care, In the Arms of Grace Hospice joined industry leaders this September for the 2025 California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA) Annual Conference in Long Beach.
The conference theme, “Recalibrating the Hospice Heart: Meeting Patients and Families Where They Are,” rang true with us, and set the tone for honest discussions around what it means to be present for those we serve.
Day 1 – A Keynote from Rev. Dr. Carla Cheatham
The Rev. Dr. Carla Cheatham kicked off the conference with her keynote, “Transforming Healthcare: Caring for Others Without Losing Ourselves”. The address touched a chord with anyone who’s ever felt stretched thin while caring for a loved one.
Cheatham began her career in psychosocial services with certification in trauma therapy, a PhD in health and kinesiology, and a Master of Divinity before her 10-year tenure as an interfaith healthcare chaplain and bereavement coordinator. She takes part in numerous organizations concerned with faith and palliative care, and publishes content about her work.
Her stories reminded us to keep compassion front and center, while also remembering that we must care for ourselves, too.
Day 2 – Breakout Sessions and Focused Learning
Breakout sessions brought together hospice professionals from all sorts of disciplines. These sessions led by nurses, chaplains, medical directors, and others dug into practical issues. Our staff took notes on new tools for symptom management, strategies for better engagement with our patient families, and shifts in care methodologies.
We’re excited to bring these learnings home to our community.
Day 3 – Compliance and Regulations
Keeping up with regulations can feel like a chore, but in our industry, it truly matters. On the final day of the conference, the California Department of Public Health provided a state regulatory update, offering insight into compliance best practices and trends across the hospice community.
Kimberly Skeehan, Vice President of Accreditation for the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP), tackled the latest federal developments, helping us see where the future of hospice is headed. These updates help ensure that our care is grounded in the latest best practices.
Takeaways for our Patients and Families
As our President Kevin Tutunjian, Chair of CHAPCA’s Education Committee, said in his opening remarks to the conference, “In uncertain times, the only thing that remains unwavering is a mission-centered hospice.”
Quality care doesn’t happen alone. In the hustle of daily care, it’s easy to get isolated in our routine – as individuals, and as an organization. Attending events like CHAPCA reconnects us to the big picture: a community of hospice providers across the region, and the new ideas that keep our care fresh and relevant.
Our team came home inspired by new perspectives. Keeping the hospice heart beating strong requires constant recalibration, learning, and affirmation. We thank everyone who made CHAPCA 2025 a fantastic experience. We can’t wait until next year.
