(Vero Beach, FL) - The VNA of the Treasure Coast and other national, state, and community organizations are leading an effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16, 2010 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, the VNA is providing tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends, and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with Florida state laws. These resources are available at www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org/resources.
Specifically, on Friday, April 16, from 10 am to 7 pm, the VNA welcomes the public to stop by the VNA Hidden Treasures resale boutique (Miracle Mile Plaza, 656 21st St., Vero Beach) throughout the day to pick up a copy of "Five Wishes," an easy-to-use advance directive form. Complimentary copies of "Five Wishes" will be available while supplies last.
"As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known," said Ron Barrera, the VNA's interim CEO. "Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so."
For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.
