Who would speak for you if you couldn’t? National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 16

National Healthcare Decisions Day is Friday, April 16. This day is set aside to raise awareness, educate and empower healthcare providers and the public about advance care planning. 

Advance care planning is a process that supports adults at any age or stage of health in understanding and sharing their personal values, life goals and preferences regarding future medical care.

“Advance care planning allows you to prepare for whatever life may bring. It tells others about the care you would like to receive should you become seriously ill,” explained Leo Cooney, MD, Adler Geriatric Assessment Center. “You should appoint a healthcare representative to speak for you if you cannot express your wishes. You should ensure that this representative, and your family and physicians, know how aggressively you wish to be treated should you become very ill. An advance care document is an excellent way of assuring that physicians in all sites of care know the intensity of care you would like to receive.” 

Find out more about Advance Directives on ynhhs.org.