The Palliative Care Advisory Council meeting held on September 5, 2025, focused on significant advancements in pediatric palliative care in Connecticut. The discussions highlighted the evolving landscape of pediatric care over the past decade, emphasizing the growing recognition and support for this critical area of healthcare.

The meeting began with reflections on the progress made since the early conversations about pediatric palliative care. Council members noted that, unlike 15 years ago when pediatric considerations were largely absent from discussions, there is now a strong commitment from legislators to prioritize funding and resources for pediatric palliative care initiatives. This shift was underscored by Senator Arnold's remarks, which indicated a universal backing from legislators, marking a notable change in the dialogue surrounding this issue.

A key focus of the meeting was the collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Solomon Center team, which has been instrumental in supporting advocacy efforts. Members expressed gratitude for the resources provided by Eugene and his team, highlighting their role in fostering partnerships and facilitating discussions on advocacy and policy.

The council also discussed the importance of training more nurses in pediatric palliative care. A scholarship program sponsored by the Kinnearick Foundation was noted, which aims to alleviate financial barriers for nurses seeking certification in this specialty. While most applicants were inpatient nurses, there is hope that the initiative will expand to include outpatient hospice nurses in the future. The goal is to cultivate champions of pediatric palliative care within healthcare settings, ensuring that more professionals are equipped to provide this essential service.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for accountability among nurses who receive training. Members discussed the importance of ensuring that these trained professionals actively apply their skills in practice, thereby enhancing the overall quality of pediatric palliative care in Connecticut.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed optimism about the future of pediatric palliative care, with plans to include a summary of the coalition's work in the upcoming annual report. The council's commitment to advancing pediatric palliative care remains strong, with a focus on collaboration, training, and advocacy as key components of their strategy moving forward.