Eunice Park-Clinton: Championing End-of-Life Planning for Korean Americans

January 29, 2025

Eunice Park-Clinton wearing a read top

Eunice Park-Clinton (DNP, MSN, MBE) is passionate about improving end-of-life care for Korean Americans. As a Korean American, a nurse case manager, and an assistant nursing professor at West Chester University, she has long recognized the health disparities that affect her community.

Last summer, Eunice held seminars in Korean at two senior centers in Lansdale, PA, to support Korean American seniors through the advance care planning process. The seminars covered different end-of-life options, life-sustaining treatments they may be offered, and the importance of communicating one’s wishes for future care.

In a Penn Medicine News article published in December 2024, Eunice remarked, “A lot of Korean American seniors who do not speak English do not even know there’s such a concept that you can prepare. They do not know what a ventilator is. They do not know what hemodialysis is—a very, very difficult treatment. So, when I explain this to the seniors, they say, ‘Wow, I need to think about this.’” 

Eunice’s vital work underscores the need for accessible, culturally sensitive education that is available in people’s native languages. Language and communication barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system and insurance are common challenges for many immigrant communities. These realities can significantly impact the quality of care that patients receive and compound stress for their caregivers. 

At Compassion & Choices, we strive to address disparities in care and support everyone in charting an end-of-life journey that reflects their values and priorities. We do this through advocacy, public education, and engaging with communities across the country—including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Our growing AANHPI Leadership Council is also working within and on behalf of AANHPI communities to improve end-of-life care and options.

We are grateful for Eunice and all healthcare professionals and advocates who recognize the importance of end-of-life planning and are facilitating these essential conversations within their communities. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to navigate this critical stage of life with confidence.

Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts

Michael Cavaiola
National Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected] 
Phone: (480) 622 4427

Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310

General Mailing Address:
Compassion & Choices
8156 S Wadsworth Blvd #E-162
Littleton, CO 80128

Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750

candid seal platinum 2024
great nonprofits 2024 top rated badge