National Healthcare Decisions Day

April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day 

Because your choices matter! 

 
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a day of awareness and education. It’s focused on encouraging everyone - including those who are healthy and in the prime of life - to think about and document their healthcare treatment wishes before a crisis.

Why is this so important? Completing your Advance Directives - which in Ohio includes Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will forms - empowers you to have a voice in your care by communicating your preferences based on your wishes, values and goals. 

Making these choices while you are still healthy and then sharing the documented plan with loved ones and doctors is the best way to make sure your choices will be honored should you become unable to speak for yourself.  

Planning for future healthcare choices does not happen overnight, but it need not be a scary process. It can start with a family conversation around the dinner table. Allow time for thought and consideration of the options. Sharing your choices through conversation is an important first step. In the long run the conversations will be the greatest gift you can give to those you love. It will give them the confidence to act knowingly on your behalf and provide the comfort of knowing that your wishes will be honored.
 

Video:

FOX 8 Cleveland Interview on NHDD - CEO & President, Bill Finn 
Advance Directives Explained  - Pat Schraff, Elder Law Attorney
 

Articles:

Your Decisions Matter – Cleveland Jewish News
I’m Young and Healthy: Why Do I Need An Advance Health Care Directive? – Huffington Post
Formalize Advance Directives to Ensure End-of-Life Wishes are Fulfilled – Crain’s Cleveland Business 
 

Tools: 

Getting Your Affairs in Order – National Institute on Aging
How to Choose a Healthcare Proxy – The Conversation Project
How to Talk to Your Doctor – The Conversation Project 
Starting the Conversation about End-of-Life Care – AARP
Legal Preparations for Caregiving – AARP   
Toolkit for Healthcare Advance Planning – American Bar Association 
Go Wish Cards – A card game from Coda Alliance that provides a simple way to talk about what's important.
 

Organ Donation Resources:

How to Become An Organ Donor - American Society of Transplantation 
Donate Life  - National Donate Life Registry
 

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