By Staff Reporters
***
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is an annual initiative celebrated on April 16th. Its purpose is to inspire, educate, and empower the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD encourages individuals to express their wishes regarding healthcare, and it emphasizes that providers and facilities should respect those wishes, whatever they may be.
Here are some key points about NHDD:
- Mission: NHDD aims to provide clear, concise, and consistent information on values-based healthcare decision-making. It focuses on conversations and choosing an agent, going beyond just living wills. The goal is to make advance care planning accessible and approachable.
- Founder: NHDD was founded in 2008 by attorney Nathan Kottkamp. The date, April 16th, was chosen based on Benjamin Franklin’s quote: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Just as we do our taxes each year, NHDD encourages us to review our healthcare wishes annually on the 16th.
- Community Involvement: NHDD has grown into a national series of independent events hosted throughout April by various community groups, including healthcare systems, legal services, and faith-based organizations. It’s an inclusive effort that benefits individuals, patients, families, and providers.
- Your Role: Consider setting April 16th as the date to have a conversation with someone important in your life about your or their wishes. Normalize these conversations within your social network, workplace, or faith community. Remember, these discussions aren’t limited to doctors and lawyers—they’re essential for everyone.
Let’s continue spreading awareness about advance care planning and making informed decisions about our health and well-being.
COMMENTS APPRECIATED
Subscribe Today
***
***
Filed under: "Advisors Only", "Doctors Only", Estate Planning, Ethics, Experts Invited, Health Law & Policy, LifeStyle | Tagged: advanced care planning, advanced directives, April 16, Estate Planning, last will, nathan Kottkamp, national healthcare decision day, NHDD, testament, trusts, wills |
Leave a comment