National Healthcare Decisions Day set July 16

Saturday, July 4, 2020
Tammy Hunter

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is usually on April 16, the day after tax returns are due. However, since the income tax filing deadline was postponed this year until July 15, NHDD was also postponed to July 16.

The date was inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s quip that “nothing in life is certain but death and taxes.”

NHDD exists to educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning and completing advance directives such as a health care representative and a living will.

“It is important for all adults in all stages of life and health to discuss and document their healthcare wishes in case they suffer an accident or medical event and cannot speak for themselves,” Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) board member Tammy Hunter said.

NHDD provides a timely message for the people of Putnam County. PCHPCA recently announced that according to Putnam County Hospital data, there has been little to no change over the last few years of Putnam County adults completing advance care directives.

Roughly 9 percent of the hospital’s patient population reports having an advance directive, which is lower than the national average of 27 percent.

“The association is closely watching advance care planning trends in Putnam County,” Hunter said. “ Research shows that advance care planning reduces family and caregiver stress and anxiety and increases patient and family satisfaction with healthcare.”

The PCHPCA website reports that in prospective studies and randomized trials, advance care planning has significantly improved multiple outcomes, particularly for patients with serious illness.

For more information, see https://pchpca.org/index.php/hp-advance-care-planning.

Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association 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 healthcare community in Putnam County. PCHPCA is partially supported by The Putnam County Community Foundation and the Putnam County Hospital. For information and resources contact Elaine Peck, Director, at epeck@pchosp.org or visit www.pchpca.org.

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