Health Advocacy Champion of the Month: Kerry Avant
The Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness would like to recognize Kerry Avant, RN MSN CHPN, nurse liaison at Bridging Life Hospice, for her contribution to LifeBridge Health’s advocacy and fairness efforts. Kerry’s nomination was outstanding and speaks to her dedication to this work.
"Kerry actively promotes and supports diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She advocates for a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. She leads by example and educates and raises awareness about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, within her team, organization and community. She creates an environment where everyone that she interacts with feels valued, respected and empowered to participate. She will challenge discriminatory behaviors and attitudes within the workplace bravely without fear of repercussion. I wholeheartedly believe Kerry is a true J.E.D.I., and I am grateful to have such a brilliant person to work with and learn from on a daily basis.”
We asked our champion the following:
Q1. How long have you been with BridgingLife/LifeBridge Health, and what is your current role?
A. I have been working with BridgingLife Hospice since March 2025 and have been supporting hospice care most of my career, starting in 1995. I am assigned to Sinai Hospital as a BridgingLife Hospice nurse liaison. As liaisons, we act as bridges between hospitalized terminally ill patients/families as they navigate end-of-life goals. We provide hospice education, access to care and emotional support at a difficult time.
Q2. You bring so much passion into the work you do — what motivates you?
A. I am motivated by a few things. First, by the awesome liaison team with whom I work. All are truly dedicated to improving life quality, however short the lifespan. Next, I passionately support patients and families as they enter a challenging time. I want folks to make informed choices about hospice. I do not want anyone waking up in ten years questioning the choices they made for their loved ones. I know that may happen no matter what I do, but it won't be due to my lack of authenticity. I am, of course, inspired by my own family. My wife and children are my strongest supporters. Finally, end-of-life care itself stimulates me. All nurses bring a special skill to the nursing profession; mine is the ability to discuss death compassionately.
Q3. Since starting at BridgingLife/LifeBridge Health, what have you found most rewarding?
A. I have been a nurse for 30 years. Throughout the years, I have developed a strong nursing career. Although I have been with BridgingLife Hospice for a short time, my expertise in hospice care has continued to grow in this organization. Also, during this season of my work life, I am fortunate to have more time with my wife and my family AND continue to do what I love: serving terminally ill patients. It's simply amazing.
With regard to the Health Advocacy Champion award, I am humbled to have been nominated. I purposefully strive to respect all persons and reinforce their ability to know their value. I am honored that others appreciate these contributions as something I bring to the table.