Actionable Ideas for NHDD 2023

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is an important observance day that exists to educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. Held annually on April 16th, NHDD aims to encourage individuals to make informed decisions about their health care and end-of-life preferences. With the right knowledge and resources, everyone can make a difference in spreading awareness for NHDD and advance care planning.

Here are some actionable ideas for individuals in different areas of involvement:

Office or Community Space:

  1. Host a lunch-and-learn or information session to educate employees or community members about advance care planning and NHDD.

  2. Set up a display or information booth in a common area with brochures, flyers, and resources about advance care planning and NHDD.

  3. Encourage employees or community members to share their own advance care planning stories or experiences, fostering a culture of open dialogue and awareness.

  4. Make sure everyone in your organization is informed about NHDD (including staff, board of directors, volunteers and others) and ask for their involvement to promote NHDD in your community. (Suggestion: Have staff wear a sticker that says “Ask Me About Advance Directives!”)

  5. Provide a link on your organizational website to nhdd.org.

  6. Spread the word about NHDD and the importance of advance care planning on social media. (Here are some ideas.)

Financial Planner:

  1. Talk to clients about the importance of advance care planning as part of their overall financial planning strategy.

  2. Provide resources and referrals to clients for legal and medical professionals who specialize in advance care planning.

  3. Encourage clients to have conversations with their loved ones and medical providers about their end-of-life preferences and goals.

  4. Read more from The Conversation Project’s Blog.

College Student:

  1. Host an NHDD event on campus, such as a panel discussion or information session, to educate peers about advance care planning.

  2. Create social media content or videos to share on campus channels or personal accounts, promoting NHDD and the importance of advance care planning. (Here are some ideas.)

  3. Partner with local organizations or medical professionals to provide resources and information for students to learn more about advance care planning.

  4. Read more from The Conversation Project’s Blog.

Faith-Based Community:

  1. Incorporate discussions about advance care planning and NHDD into regular services or meetings.

  2. Host an information session or panel discussion with medical professionals or legal experts to educate the community about advance care planning.

  3. Provide resources and referrals to community members for legal and medical professionals who specialize in advance care planning.

  4. Read more from The Conversation Project’s Blog.

By taking action and promoting NHDD and advance care planning, individuals can help spread awareness and encourage others to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Whether through hosting an event, sharing information, or having conversations with loved ones, everyone can play a part in making a difference today. Let us all take steps towards ensuring that our healthcare and end-of-life preferences are respected and honored.

For more resources and free, printable Guides from The Conversation Project, click HERE.

Laurie Miller