National research shows that only about a third of Americans have created a living will or advanced healthcare directive. Most of us have not put our medical decisions in writing or even discussed them with doctors or family members. If there’s a medical emergency and we cannot communicate, how will anyone know what our wishes are?
Three nonprofit organizations — Mercy Care, Hospice of the Valley and Contexture — are launching a community education campaign to ensure that Arizonans’ wishes are honored.
Choose Your Person is an awareness campaign urging all adults to choose someone to be their healthcare power of attorney. Whether it’s a sibling, spouse or best friend, this person is entrusted with following your directives. Healthcare professionals recommend doing this now, before there is a serious medical condition or accident.
“Taking that first step can be empowering. It prompts those important conversations about end-of-life care with your loved ones and doctors,” said Melissa Kotrys, CEO of Contexture, the leading health information exchange in Arizona.
“We’re excited to partner on this new initiative to help more people with advance care planning,” said Debbie Shumway, executive director of Hospice of the Valley. “Families who make these decisions together have peace of mind because they know exactly what their loved ones want.”
Hospice of the Valley and Contexture are hosting free workshops to help people complete their advance directives — engaging their combined network of healthcare providers, long-term care facilities, faith communities, community-based organizations, civic groups, colleges and businesses.
The campaign focuses on all adults — young and old, healthy as well as sick, with a special focus on those living with dementia and underserved communities less likely to discuss advance care planning.
Once complete, healthcare documents can be easily uploaded to the Arizona Health Care Directives Registry. This secure site allows physicians and family members to instantly access them in times of need. There’s no rummaging through drawers or files to locate papers in an emergency.
“We want Arizona residents to understand the value of healthcare providers having access to your end-of-life wishes in real time, at the point of care,” said Lorry Bottrill, CEO of Mercy Care, which is funding the campaign through a grant.
Choose Your Person Valleywide events continue into March, with the next one coming up on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. at Under the Surface 5K, located at 5708 W. Union Hills Dr. in Glendale. It's the last of three free events open to the public. Officials with the Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry will help attendees document and register their advance directives.
Visit ChooseYourPerson.org to learn more about the initiative and other dates/times across the Valley.
Lin Sue Flood is director of community engagement at Hospice of the Valley.
