Ali Sullivan, Conference and Events Coordinator
Alinda Sullivan joined NASHP in July 2016. Her first project was to work exclusively with the communications team on NASHP’s 29th Annual State Health Policy Conference and several simultaneous project meetings. Prior to joining NASHP, Ali received her Master’s Degree in International Security and Conflict Management from the University of Kent in Canterbury, the UK’s European University. She joins the team with professional experience as a Project Manager for a recruitment company in England, an Event Director for a private events company in Tampa Florida, a Project and Recruitment Associate for a small recruitment company in Portland Maine, and an Office Manager and Executive Assistant for the CEO and CFO of a tech start up, also in Portland Maine. Ali holds two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Maine, one in Public Relations and one in Diplomacy.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
