Dr. Joan Harrold joins Lifesong Hospice and Palliative Care as Medical Director

With more than 20 years of experience in hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Joan Harrold brings her expertise in end-of-life care and pain management to Lifesong Hospice & Palliative Care, a hospice care provider for patients in the Central and Lehigh Valley regions of Pennsylvania.

“We are meeting patients and families during a time of emotional decision-making as they evaluate the needs and desires towards end of their life or the life of their loved one,” described Dr. Harrold. “In this role, and throughout a family’s experience with Lifesong, we want to ensure that patients and families are informed and supported and that each patient’s legacy is honored and celebrated.”

Dr. Harrold comes to Lifesong after working at Capital Blue Cross as senior medical director for medical policy and coding. She previously served as chief medical officer and vice president of medical services at Hospice and Community Care in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Hospice and Palliative Care Network (PHPCN). Throughout her career, she has been active in the hospice and palliative care nationally through her involvement in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), and the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board. Additionally, she co-authored the first and second editions of Handbook for Mortals — Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness (Oxford University Press).

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Harrold to the leadership team,” said Meredith Mills, CEO of Lifesong. “Her compassionate leadership and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during one of life’s most difficult moments.”

As medical director, Dr. Harrold will oversee the medical aspects of each Lifesong patient’s care, collaborating with the team to address patients’ pain and other symptoms. She also looks forward to talking with families and the community about navigating a loved one’s journey. To learn more about the quality and empathetic care and support Lifesong families receive from experienced professionals like Dr. Harrold, visit www.lifesonghospice.com.

About Lifesong Hospice & Palliative Care:

Lifesong Hospice & Palliative Care personalizes care plans to help our patients transition to be as comfortable as possible and tailored to their needs and preferences. In doing this, Lifesong seeks to celebrate the meaning of their lives and ensure that their unique legacy is honored. Lifesong is affiliated with Country Meadows Retirement Communities and Ecumenical Retirement Community as well as serves patients in other communities, skilled nursing facilities and in their own homes in Central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley.