Celebrating End of Life Options 365 Days a Year
June 18, 2022 – It’s been one year since the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act went into effect, expanding end-of-life options for New Mexicans by authorizing medical aid in dying. As we reach this important anniversary milestone, we would like to share this update with you and ask for your continued support for the next 365 days.
In the 365 days since the Act became law, more than 100 terminally-ill New Mexicans, have sought this option to relieve their suffering and die peacefully. Of these deaths, over 90% of patients were enrolled in hospice and the prescribing clinicians were at their bedside at the time of their deaths. End of Life Options New Mexico (EOLONM) is aware of these numbers through our good working relationships with clinicians, hospices, patients and their families.
You can find out more about the Act, including who is eligible and what steps to take to utilize it, by visiting: https://endoflifeoptionsnm.org/end-of-life-options-act/.
“As we celebrate the first anniversary of the law going into effect, I am proud to report that our new law is being well utilized and EOLONM has been able to assist those who have requested information, asked questions, or sought assistance or referrals for care.“
Barak Wolff, Board Chair
End of Life Options New Mexico
In addition to providing one-to-one support to individuals and their families, this past year EOLONM participated in over 72 community outreach and education events and provided 16 clinician training sessions.
But there remains much to be done…EOLONM is committed to broadening our reach by expanding educational programs and individual services to assist all of our diverse populations and communities throughout the state. As we look to the year ahead, please help us extend our end-of-life services to all New Mexicans who seek information and caring support throughout the year.
For those who are able, please commit $1.00 a day, that’s $30 a month, $365 a year, to support end-of-life options every day. For those who can give more, we appreciate it. For those who give less, we fully value your support as well.
EOLONM is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible and our services are free of charge.
Our work is non-judgmental and all end-of-life choices are respected. Some seriously ill folks will want to pursue every possible treatment with the intent of living as long as possible…while others may be suffering physically and/or existentially and may choose to hasten their death by using medical aid in dying or other available options. There is no “right” answer, it is for each of us to decide.
And for the past 365 days, we here in New Mexico have been fortunate enough to have such choices available to us.
Thank you for your continued support 365 days a year,
Barak Wolff, Jill VonOsten, MaryKay Brady
Board of Directors
End of Life Options New Mexico