About

Living with a serious illness—whether as a patient or a caregiver—is one of the biggest challenges we face.

The North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM), in partnership with agencies and organizations that provide care and advocacy around issues of aging, palliative care, hospice care, and long-term supports and services, convened a Task Force on Serious Illness Care in 2019. The Task Force consisted of over 60 expert members, including health care providers, community members, advocacy representatives, and family caregivers.

The Task Force on Serious Illness Care has developed a workable plan to improve quality of life for individuals who live with serious illness, as well as their caregivers.

The North Carolina Serious Illness Coalition is the evolution of the work done by the NCIOM Task Force on Serious Illness Care. Our work is a continuation of statewide partnerships to advance the recommendations made in the Task Force’s Final Report, which was published in July 2020.  There are 13 Priority Recommendations in the Final Report.

Our Mission

To engage a broad range of stakeholders and their perspectives, including providers, consumers, policy advocates, industries, and others, to accelerate the solutions needed to achieve the desired vision for serious illness care.

Our Vision

A culture of care that prioritizes person-centered quality of life, access, and equity across the age spectrum for anyone with serious illness, their families, and their communities.

Our Roots

The North Carolina Serious Illness Coalition is the evolution of the work done in 2019-2020 by the NCIOM Task Force on Serious Illness Care. NCSI Coalition is a continuation of statewide partnerships to advance the recommendations made in the Task Force’s final report. There are 13 Priority Recommendations, each with very clear tasks.

Our Membership

The Coalition welcomes anyone into membership who has a willingness and a passion to support the work to which we are dedicated. At this time, there are no fees associated with membership.

NCSI Coalition Executive Board Members

Disclaimer: The North Carolina Serious Illness Coalition does not represent one organization or viewpoint. Although Executive Board members come from a particular organization or group, they “represent” only their own personal viewpoints while serving on the Coalition.

  • Heather Altman, Health Sciences Health Innovations Group
  • Karen Appert, Appert Marketing Group
  • Mary Bethel, Aging Advocate
  • Linda Darden, Trellis Supportive Care
  • Kenneth Deans, Health Sciences Health Innovations Group
  • Steven Hahn, NC AARP
  • Dr. Laura Patel, Transitions Life Care
  • Michelle Ries, NC Institute of Medicine
  • Ellie Ward, Vidant Health