PCHPCA announces theme as ‘Speaking Up for Your Care”

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) recently announced its “Speaking Up for Your Care” theme for National Health Care Decisions Day on Monday, April 16.

If someone became seriously ill, would the people who matter most to them really know what matters to them?

“Speaking Up for Your Care” continues the association’s work to encourage discussions about advance care planning in Putnam County.

A growing number of residents are having conversations clarifying what they would want most. Speaking up about the kind of care they want also means telling those closest to them what they would want if they couldn’t make decisions for themselves.

When someone shares their values, preferences and wishes with their doctors and loved ones, they are part of the team that helps them get the right care. They have a right to have a say in their care.

Board member Jinsie Bingham reflected on the importance of National Health Care Decisions Day.

“Love means speaking up,” she said. “Asking and sharing what would matter most to each other at that time is an act of love and kindness that can make future decisions easier. We may not be able to predict every decision that needs to be made, but we can give those we love the guiding principles to make decisions for us.

“These discussions need to happen at the dinner table and at our next regular doctor’s visit,” Bingham added, “and be sure to provide your loved ones and your health-care providers with a copy of your most recent advance directives.”

The PCHPCA is a nonprofit, charitable organization that has joined national, state and community efforts to increase the quality of the end-of-life experience for patients, loved ones, caregivers and the health-care community in Putnam County.

The PCHPCA is partially supported by the Putnam County Community Foundation and the Putnam County Hospital.

Further questions about the association and its mission may be directed to Elaine Peck at epeck@pchosp.org.