Pennsylvania LEARN Initiative  

The LEARN initiative is specific to the pediatric palliative and hospice care community in Pennsylvania with the participation of healthcare providers, medical professionals, therapists, clergy, caregivers and parents.

LEARN stands for:

Legislation Education Advocacy Research Networking

Regular virtual LEARN events serve to advance the mission of PPCC with these activities. PPCC welcomes those interested in pediatric palliative and hospice care in Pennsylvania. 

To be a part of the LEARN Initiative, contact PPCC Executive Director, Betsy Hawley.

Next LEARN Meeting: November 11 at 4:00PM EST.
Registration will open in October.

LEARN Dates for 2024:

February 12   ~   May 13   ~   September 9   ~   November 11

Current LEARN Areas of Emphasis:

PA Family Care Act - Allows family members to provide critical care and rehab services to elderly loved ones at home, without risking their jobs and financial security.

PA POLST Act - Senate Bill 631 provides a legal basis for POLST forms to be used by medical professionals across all health care settings for seriously ill patients who voluntarily wish to specify the treatment they desire to receive.

PA POLST Education - Free continuing education course designed for Physicians,  Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and other healthcare professionals who are involved with end-of-life care.

September 2024 PPCC LEARN Meeting: Highlights

View Recording Here

Monday, September 9th, 4:00-5:00pm

Meeting focus - Pennsylvania Environmental Scan and Reagan's Journey

Kristen Moyer and Betsy Hawley
Kristen and Betsy will give an update on the results from the Pennsylvania Environmental Scan and share the newest PA Resource Map identifying pediatric palliative and hospice care organizations and resources throughout the state.

Kim Neal
Reagan's Journey - Executive Director and Reagan's Mom

Tara Garris
Reagan's Journey - Development Director and Ethan's Mom

Kim and Tara will highlight the work being done at Reagan's Journey. Reagan's Journey, located in Freeport and Lancaster, PA, exists to make life better for children with special needs.


The LEARN Initiative is a program of the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition. As a part of this initiative, you will have the opportunity to explore Legislative, Education, Advocacy, Research and Networking opportunities to ensure equal access to pediatric palliative care resources of the highest standard throughout the state of Pennsylvania, so that all children facing serious illness and their families receive the care they deserve.

LEARN Meeting Archive

May 2024 Meeting

Meeting Focus:  Advocacy with PA Rep. Dan Miller, PA Family Care Act and Kristin Huibregtse, Always B Smiling Foundation. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on the View Here button for meeting highlights.

February 2024 Meeting

Meeting Focus: Pregnancy and Infant Loss. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on the View Here button for meeting highlights.

January 2023 Meeting

Inaugural meeting on January 23. Meeting Focus: PPCC LEARN Objectives and Networking. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on the View Here button for highlights from the meeting.

April 2023 Meeting

Meeting Focus: Advocacy and Opportunities for Engagement. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on View Here button for highlights from the meeting.

August 2023 Meeting

Meeting Focus: Use of the POLST and Out of Hospital DNRs with pediatric patients and an Environmental Scan aimed at pediatric palliative and hospice care resources in Pennsylvania. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on View Here button for highlights from the meeting.

November 2023 Meeting

Meeting Focus: Resources in the "Plain" Communities for children with rare genetic disorders and building bridges between culture and medicine; PA Environmental Scan. Click HERE to view a recording of the meeting. Click on the View Here button for highlights from the meeting.

384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Contact Betsy Hawley at: [email protected]

PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.  Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations.  The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.