How YOU can be part of a Community of Giving
November 16, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 marks the second Giving Tuesday since New Mexicans had their end-of-life options expanded to include medical aid in dying. This compassionate option became a reality when the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act went into effect on June 18, 2021.
What is Giving Tuesday?
It’s a great idea that has taken hold internationally. Held each year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it encourages us to share our thanks and gratitude with others in need in our community.We, at End of Life Options New Mexico (EOLONM), are so grateful this option is available for our friends, families, neighbors and fellow New Mexicans, and we hope you share that gratitude.
Since the Act went into effect, we know that at least 190 aid in dying ingestions have taken place in New Mexico. Prescribing clinicians have been by the bedside in all but a handful of these deaths. Also, after only sixteen months of operation, our EOLONM teams of well-trained and dedicated volunteers have:
- responded rapidly to the calls and emails of more than 185 inquiries from people in communities throughout the state asking about their options at the end of life;
- assisted 167 individuals and their families with 1:1 support and information about advance care planning, negotiating the healthcare system, understanding end-of-life choices and accessing responsive referrals;
- consulted with more than 68 clinicians who called for information, guidance and resources for their patients and themselves; and
- participated in more than 115 public events, interacting with and informing the public about their options and their right to self-determination in selecting the end-of-life care that’s right for them.
For those of us who support options at the end of life, Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity to relieve suffering, to demonstrate compassion, and to offer the needed assistance and support to other New Mexicans as they plan for and face their own end of life.
Your gift to EOLONM will do just that!
Gratefully yours,
Barak Wolff
Chair, EOLONM Board of Directors