Published by: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
National Healthcare Decisions Day, which is dedicated to inspire, educate and empower the public about the importance of advance care planning, is recognized each year on April 16. The goal is to engage everyone in conversations that encourage people to start to think about their own personal wishes for their health care, particularly at the end of life, and getting people to plan ahead, document those plans, and let loved ones know their wishes.
Advance care planning involves making future healthcare decisions that include more than deciding what care you would or would not want; it starts with expressing preferences, clarifying values, and selecting an agent to express healthcare decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself.
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and resources to communicate and document their future healthcare decisions.
In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, NHPCO encourages everyone to:
Have A Conversation
Advance care planning starts with talking with your loved ones, your healthcare providers, and even your friends- all are important steps to making your wishes known. These conversations will relieve loved ones and healthcare providers of the need to guess what you would want if you are ever facing a healthcare or medical crisis.
Complete Your Advance Directive
“Advance Directives” are legal documents (Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney) that allow you to plan and make your own end-of-life wishes known in the event that you are unable to communicate.
Engage Others in Advance Care Planning
Share brochures, information and advance directives to others in your family, workplace and community. Help others have a conversation about advance care planning.
“National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.”
Remember….. Your Decisions Matter!