The following message is from Alameda County Getting The Most Out Of Life program and the Alameda Hospice Providers Coalition.

National Healthcare Decision Day – Your Decisions Matter
Saturday, April 16, 2016 11am – 2pm
Frank Ogawa Plaza, in front of Oakland City Hall

It always seems too early, until it’s too late! Advance care planning is important at any age.

Alameda County Getting The Most Out Of Life program and the Alameda Hospice Providers Coalition invite you to participate and support National Healthcare Decisions Day.

On this national day in Oakland, the community will consider, communicate, and document health care wishes. The secret is out: we can talk about our health care wishes as a normal part of life. According to California Healthcare Foundation 2012 survey, over 60% of people say they do not wish to burden their families and loved ones with difficult end of life decisions; yet 56% of people have not taken the time to communicate and document their wishes. April 16, 2016 is an opportunity to align your intention with supported action.

The public is welcome to participate in:

• The Conversation Tent: Trained community volunteer coaches through Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association will be there to guide advance care planning conversations while others can complete their advance care directive with free notary.
• The Chinese American Coalition for Compassionate Care Game Tent: Heart-to-Heart cards will be played as a “conversation” tool.
• Resource Tent: Gift bag and options will be available for the seriously ill and/or those at end of life.
• Or just enjoy a family picnic: There will also be activities for the little ones on the grass in front of City Hall Oakland.

For more information, review the attached PDF flyer or call: 510-667-3099 or visit www.gettingthemostoutoflife.org.

This new release dovetails with the article ACERA published in our Winter 2016 newsletter entitled “A Most Important Conversation.”