National Healthcare Decisions Day

April 16 marks an important day on the calendar, one that often goes unnoticed between the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of advanced care planning. While the phrase sounds intimidating, the essence of NHDD lies in empowering individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare, even in times of uncertainty.

NHDD was established in 2008 by attorney Nathan Kottkamp with the objective of providing simple, accessible, and consistent information on values-based healthcare decision-making to individuals, healthcare providers/facilities, and community leaders. This information is disseminated through uniform tools, not just forms, to guide the process.

The date of April 16 for National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) was chosen based on the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, which states, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” The idea is to encourage people to do their taxes each year before April 15 and review their healthcare wishes on April 16. This concept helps normalize the process of reviewing healthcare wishes each year and acknowledges that wishes or the people in your life may change.

Advanced Care Planning (ACP)

So, why is ACP so crucial? Picture this: you suddenly face a challenging medical crisis and are unable to communicate your preferences for treatment. Who speaks for you? What decisions would you want them to make on your behalf? These are the questions that ACP seeks to answer long before they become urgent.

At its core, advance care planning is more than just filling out forms. It is an ongoing dialogue about your values, preferences, and goals for medical care. It is about ensuring that your voice is heard, even when you can no longer speak for yourself, temporarily or permanently. By documenting your wishes, you provide clarity to both your loved ones and healthcare providers, easing the burden of decision-making during difficult times.

Benefits of Advance Care Planning

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a crucial event that highlights the significance of advance directives. On this day, national, state, and community organizations join forces to promote the importance of documenting healthcare decisions. These entities work together tirelessly to ensure that individuals have access to the necessary information, opportunities, and resources to make informed decisions about their health care.

It promotes patient-centered care by aligning medical interventions with individual preferences. It alleviates the emotional strain on families and loved ones, sparing them from worrying over uncertain choices. Moreover, ACP enables trust between patients and healthcare providers, laying the foundation for better communication and understanding.

How to Observe National Healthcare Decisions Day?

It is essential to consider how we can actively participate in this movement. Start by initiating conversations with your loved ones about your healthcare preferences. These discussions can pave the way for meaningful ACP, whether over dinner or during a leisurely walk.

Additionally, gather and organize your important documents, such as advance directives and healthcare proxy forms, making them easily accessible when needed. Planning for the future ensures that your wishes are known and facilitates smoother decision-making processes in times of crisis.

Remember, advance care planning is not meant just for senior citizens or those facing serious illnesses. It is a proactive step to take to secure your future health. By engaging in these conversations and documenting your preferences, you empower yourself and your caregivers to make assertive healthcare decisions confidently.

Straightforward and Compassionate Healthcare Decisions

The mission of National Healthcare Decisions Day is clear: to educate and empower people to discuss and document their care preferences. Through a collaborative effort involving healthcare systems, legal services, faith-based organizations, and more, NHDD aspires to make advanced care planning accessible to all.

So, as April 16 approaches, let’s join the movement and be proactive in shaping our healthcare future. Whether attending a community event, hosting a discussion with friends, or simply reflecting on your own preferences, your participation matters.

National Healthcare Decisions Day reminds us of the importance of advanced care planning. We can make healthcare decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence by embracing this process. So, let’s make our voices heard and ensure that our wishes guide us on the journey ahead.