Our Mission

The Westchester End-of-Life Coalition is made up of people who live and work in Westchester County, NY. The Coalition seeks to expand awareness of the importance of end-of-life issues and informs professionals and the public about available services. As a community-based coalition we draw on local resources to support those at the end of life, their families and their caregivers.

We envision and work toward a community where all those with life-limiting conditions are able to die with dignity, at peace, pain-free, in a place and manner of their choosing—a community where the dying and their families receive excellent and compassionate timely care and support. ...MORE ABOUT US...

Notable Articles

Healthcare Costs: End-of-Life And Palliative Care

By Mary Beth Morrisey and Bruce Jennings

This issue paper on end-of-life costs is authored by Mary Beth Morrissey, Esq., MPH, and Bruce Jennings, MA. Mary Beth Morrissey is affiliated with the Fordham University Ravazzin Center on Aging, West Harrison, NY,  and Bruce Jennings with the Center on Humans and Nature, NY, NY. Mary Beth and Bruce are both board members of the Westchester End of Life Coalition.
…READ MORE…

A Heartfelt Appeal for a Graceful Exit

By Jane E. Brody
February 5, 2008

After reading the Personal Health column on Nov. 27 on preventing geriatric suicide, Gloria C. Phares, a 93-year-old retired teacher in Missouri, wrote:

“I was healthy until 90, and then Boom! Atrial fibrillation; deaf, can’t enjoy music or hear a voice unless 10 inches from my ear; fell, fractured my thigh and am now a cripple; had a slight stroke the day after my beloved husband died after 61 years of marriage.

“I’ve lived a happy life, but from here on out it’s all downhill. Is there any point in my living any longer? I’m not living — just existing. I very much want to die, but our society doesn’t let me. Oh for a pill to ease myself out and end my pain, pain, pain.” …READ MORE…

Doctors’ Recognition of Approaching Death in Terminal Patients Seen Unreliable

By Will Boggs, MD

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Aug 17 – Physician estimates of survival in terminally ill cancer patients are quite imprecise, especially for patients near death, according to findings published in the August 1st issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. …READ MORE…