What? Announcement of As You Wish Campaign
When? Monday, November 24 at 11 a.m.
Where? Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
Interstate Corporate Center, 6350 Center Drive, Bldg. 5 in Norfolk
Hampton Roads major health systems – Bon Secours, Chesapeake Regional, Riverside and Sentara – have united to address a significant societal challenge in the area and nation, the need for adults of all ages to complete and sign Advance Directives for Health Care. While more than 90% of Americans agree that it is wise for individuals to have an Advance Directive, less than 33% actually do.
The four organizations are jointly funding a community program called “As You Wish” Advance Care Planningthrough the Advance Care Planning Coalition of Eastern Virginia (ACPCEVA). Along with the lead sponsors, there are also four founding partners: the Peninsula Agency on Aging, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Bay Aging, and Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging.
Representatives of all the organizations involved will address the value of Advance Care Directives, sometimes called Living Wills, during a news conference on Monday, November 24 at 11 a.m. at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk. Participating will be physicians, family members, ethicists and others who have personal experience with the dilemma that faces loved ones and health care professionals when a patient at end of life cannot express or has not expressed his or her desires for medical treatment.
David Murray, ACPCEVA Director, will provide details of how Hampton Roads residents can secure an official state approved directive as well as where to find assistance on issues such as identifying a “health care agent” and assuring that relevant parties have access to the document at the critical moment when it might be needed.
“The holidays are an excellent time for families to begin a conversation about this important subject,” says Murray. “That is why we are launching this initiative before Thanksgiving, and we hope that it will result in a greater understanding of Advance Care Planning and the personal protection an Advance Directive offers. The peace of mind for everyone involved is priceless.” For more information, contact Joel Rubin, 757-456-5212, joel@rubincommunications.com.
