It’s April and that means there’s no better time to talk to your loved ones about your wishes – and ask them about theirs.
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.
End of Life Options New Mexico (EOLONM) has a number of activities going on throughout the state in April for NHDD and below is list of some of these events. Look for an opportunity in your community.
On the Radio
April 10 – This week on Radio KRWG, New Mexico State University Public Media in Las Cruces, interviewer Scott Brocato asks EOLONM Board member MaryKay Brady about the purpose of NHDD and EOLONM’s mission and vision. In this approximately seven minute interview you hear about MaryKay’s upcoming library talk (see below), what drew her to this issue, the importance of advance care planning and knowing your options at the end of life. Click here to listen to the interview.
On Facebook
April 14-18 – A social media advertising campaign to educate New Mexicans about end of life decision-making and encourage advance care planning will run on Facebook. The campaign features an informative video from Compassion & Choices Board member Dr. Satheesh Gunaga, where he outlines 3 things you can do right now to make sure your end of life care is consistent with your wishes and your goals. And don’t forget…because advance care planning is a process and not a single event, we invite you to stay informed and have access to our planning resources by signing up for our quarterly newsletter. Click here, for more information and to sign up for the newsletter.
Las Cruces
April 12 – EOLONM Board member, MaryKay Brady will be speaking at Thomas Brannigan Memorial Library to share information on Advanced Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions, and end of life options. Join her in the Roadrunner Room at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
April 13 – Starting at 11:00 am, a presentation on Advance Healthcare Planning and End of Life Options, including medical aid in dying will be made to the Senior Amigos wellness program of MountainView Regional Medical Center. This public presentation will be held in the Senior Amigos meeting room at 3948 E. Lohman Ave #1, in Las Cruces.
April 15 – Also happening in Las Cruces is the Mesilla Valley Pharmacy’s Downtown Health Fair and Historic Grand Opening at 227 South Main Street, Las Cruces NM 88001. Materials to assist with your advance care planning will be available. Click here, for more information.
April 21 – Southern New Mexico Giving Day 2023. This is a 24 hour giving event to benefit the nonprofits and causes serving southern New Mexico. To participate, on April 21st, visit: https://www.southernnewmexicogivingday.org/. Search and select “End of Life Options New Mexico” to make a donation to support EOLONM’s work in SNM.
Santa Fe
April 15 – The Memory Care Alliance 2023 Caregiver Day, sponsored by Vista Living Santa Fe will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Santa Fe Community College. This is the largest eldercare event in Santa Fe and EOLONM volunteers will host an information table where you can access materials and resources to help with your own advance care planning or for you to assist others with their plan. See you there!
April 16 – As the final part of a four session series about preparing for end of life and culminating on NHDD, Santa Fe Freethinkers will host a virtual program featuring EOLONM Board Chair Barak Wolff. Barak will discuss NHDD, a quick review of end of life issues and discuss medical aid in dying in New Mexico. This presentation is offered virtually at 12:00 pm. For more information and a link, visit: https://www.meetup.com/freethinkersforum/events/292343604/
Jemez Springs
April 29 – EOLONM volunteer Jan Wilson will conduct an Advance Healthcare Planning workshop at the Jemez Springs Public Library located at 30 Jemez Springs Plaza in Jemez Springs. Workshop sessions start at 11:00 am. To attend, please register in advance and for more information contact Jan at info@endoflifeoptionsnm.org.