Hospice is often an important resource for providing services to patients and families who are facing terminal illness such as Mesothelioma. They provide a broad spectrum of care to address spiritual, emotional, social, and physical needs of the patient. Hospice staff is specially trained to deal with the unique needs of their patients. Care is individualized to meet the patients’ needs. Below are links where you can find additional information and locate hospice programs in your area:

www.hospicefoundation.org Hospice Foundation of America

www.nhpco.org National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

www.aahpm.org American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

www.americanhospice.org American Hospice Foundation

www.hospiceworld.org Hospice Education Institute

www.painfoundation.org American Pain Foundation

Research Medical Center of Kansas City is facing an $84,000 federal fine for exposing several of its employees to asbestos-related contamination during a recent expansion project. A report issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last Thursday called the violations "serious" and "willful" and stated that the hospital knew of the asbestos since September 2006 at least. The asbestos-containing material was found in a vinyl wall covering with gray felt backing, a material which crumbles easily allowing the asbestos fibers to become airborne. The asbestos was located in several areas, including hallways, a boiler room, and an x-ray control room.

Following release of the OSHA report, the hospital notified 85 of its employees about the potential asbestos exposure. It now has 15 days to respond to OSHA's findings, and either pay the fine, dispute the findings or negotiate a lower penalty. At this time it has not been determined whether patients and hospital visitors were exposed, as OSHA's six-month investigation only covered employee exposure. A separate OSHA investigation into possible exposure to construction workers who were renovating the hospital's fourth floor is ongoing.

Earlier this month the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a test of a controversial new asbestos removal method on an office building at an empty apartment complex in Fort Worth, TX--the EPA's first test of its kind in a densely populated urban area. Known as the "Fort Worth method", it involves hosing down asbestos-containing buildings with water and firefighter's chemical foam in order to trap the asbestos particles and prevent them from becoming airborne as the building is being demolished. All of the water used is trench-collected and disposed of. This new method has been touted as a safe way to remove asbestos that is faster and less expensive than traditional methods.

According to the EPA, earlier tests of the Fort Worth method conducted in more remote areas have shown it to be at least as effective as traditional asbestos removal strategies. However, those who oppose the method are concerned that if it is approved by the EPA for use across the country, property owners and asbestos removal contractors will not follow the correct procedure for trenching, collecting and filtering the water and using the chemical foam--shortcuts that could put the lives of a whole new generation of people in danger of deadly asbestos exposure. Others say the new method is not appropriate for urban areas because of a lack of clearance from nearby buildings and that it will not be cost-effective for buildings larger than 5,000 square feet.

Despite opposition from the asbestos workers union and members of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, the most recent test went ahead as planned. According to the EPA the test went well, however data from monitoring devices at the site will not be available for 45-60 days, and a report on the test will not be released until May 2008.

Another issue that affects Mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness victims is travel and lodging expenses. Because Mesothelioma is rare and specialists are spread throughout the country, patients often have to travel to receive the best care. At times they may have to stay in a different city and/or state to receive treatment. Families and loved ones must find housing in the area and have associated travel expenses too. I’ve listed some helpful resources for travel and lodging.

• www.cancerpatienttravel.org (Charitable travel and housing arrangements through the National Patient Travel Center #1-800-296-1217 and the National Association of Hospitality Houses #1-800-542-9730)

• www.aircharitynetwork.org (National charitable aviation network matching people in need of “free” flights and other travel resources that can provide healing and hope #1-877-621-7177)

• www.nahhh.org (National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. is a non-profit that provides lodging and other supportive services to patients and families confronted with medical emergencies #1-800-542-9730)

• http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SHR/content/SHR_2.1_x_Hope_Lodge.asp (Hope Lodge provides free, temporary housing facilities for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment #1-800-ACS-2345)

• www.rare-cancer.org/medical-travel-assistance.html (Rare Cancer Alliance provides information and assistance with flights, ground transportation, and lodging #1-800-345-6324)

• www.patienttravel.org (National Patient Travel Center facilitates patient access to appropriate charitable medical air transportation resources in the U.S. #1-800-296-1217)

• www.joeshouse.org (Joe’s House is a housing resource for cancer patients and their families who must travel away from home for medical treatment #1-877-563-7468)

Many treatment centers have negotiated discounts with local resources. Talk to your social worker and/or guest services regarding possible resources.

In past blogs, I have written about the important role of caregivers in fighting Mesothelioma and other serious medical concerns. Caregivers not only provide practical and emotional assistance, but also give us hope and strength when we may not have any of our own. Below is a list of resources to assist caregivers in their difficult and essential role.

www.caregiver.org (Family Caregiver Alliance - National Center on Caregiving)

www.caregiving.org (National Alliance for Caregiving)

www.thefamilycaregiver.org (National Families Caregiver Association)

www.cancercare.org (CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer)