We support the inclusion of mental health as a dedicated agenda item across the life course and the importance of social connection to well-being. Palliative Care is one of the only health care services that integrates mental health services for all the patients and families we serve.

Social work, psychology, psychiatry, and chaplaincy are all part of any quality interdisciplinary team that provides palliative care services to the most seriously ill. In addition, all hospice and palliative care programs strive to provide bereavement support to all families served based on need. Social connection is essential to adjustment to loss. Counselling and mental health services need to be better integrated into medical care in all our health systems.