End-of-Life Care in Juneau: Hospice, Support and Starting the Conversation

End-of-Life Care in Juneau: Hospice, Support and Starting the Conversation

Author: Alaska First Media May 27, 2026 Duration: 7:25


In this edition of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Jeff Short of the Foundation for End of Life Care about the organization’s work supporting hospice services, bereavement care, end-of-life planning, and community education in Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Schwartz explains what hospice is, and what it is not, while addressing common misconceptions and the emotional difficulty many families face when beginning these conversations. He also discusses Alaska’s low use of hospice care, Bartlett Regional Hospital's role as the hospice provider for northern Southeast Alaska, and how the community can support this essential work. 


There's a particular rhythm to life in Juneau, a blend of frontier spirit, deep-rooted culture, and the close-knit dynamics of a capital city surrounded by wilderness. Capital Chat, from Frontier Media USA, settles into that rhythm, offering conversations that feel more like catching up with a well-informed neighbor than a formal broadcast. Each episode delves into the arts, social currents, and community events that define Alaska's capital, moving beyond mere announcements to explore the stories and people behind them. You'll hear from local artists about their creative process, discussions on the social topics shaping the city, and insights into the gatherings that bring residents together. This podcast serves as an audio companion for anyone curious about what truly animates Juneau, from gallery openings and festivals to the everyday initiatives that strengthen community bonds. It’s a thoughtful look at how society and culture intertwine in a unique setting, ensuring that the diverse voices of the city are heard. For those living in or fascinated by Juneau, tuning into this series provides a genuine connection to the city's ongoing narrative.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 38

Capital Chat
Podcast Episodes
How Climate Stress Is Affecting Pacific Blue Mussels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:18
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with UAS biology faculty member Nicole and students Eliza and Beatrice about research examining how warmer water and lower salinity may affect Pacific blue mussels in S…
Suicide Prevention Starts with a Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Charity Anderson from NAMI about suicide prevention and the warning signs family members, friends, teachers and coworkers can sometimes miss. Anderson explains how…
Juneau’s Bear Report: Hot Spots, Safety and Securing Trash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:43
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Abby McAllister from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game about bear activity across Juneau. McAllister identifies current hot spots, explains why unsecured…
When Every Second Counts: Bringing PulsePoint to Juneau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Dr. Quigley Peterson and cardiac-arrest survivor Peter Metcalfe (Public Market) about the launch of PulsePoint in Juneau. The free app alerts CPR-trained community…
Inside the Juneau Chamber: Advocacy, Events and Local Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Becca Parks from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and introduces the Chamber’s new administrative assistant, Althea Tan. They preview upcoming candidate forums,…
Into Alaska: Hot Tub Boats, Go Boats and a New Crabbing Adventure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:01
On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas speaks with Vienna from Into Alaska about one of Juneau’s most unusual local adventure companies. Vienna shares how the business grew from its hot tub boat and self-drive “go…
Workforce Ready: Inside UAS Career Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:37
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Kristen Majocha, PhD, Dean of Career Education at the University of Alaska Southeast, about preparing students for careers in some of Southeast Alaska’s most…
Parks and Recreation Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:57
On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas speaks with Juneau Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wheeler about several projects taking shape across the community. Wheeler shares an update on Juneau’s first dedicat…
Salmon Derby 2026 Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:13
On this episode of Capital Chat, representatives Ryan and Sean join host Cliff Dumas to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. They explain how to purchase derby tickets, outline a record prize pool valued at…