National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) – April 16 2025
April 01, 2025
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) – April 16
National Healthcare Decisions Day is celebrated annually on April 16th, the day after the date traditionally known as Tax Day. The date was chosen based on this quote from Benjamin Franklin, “…in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” So, by April 15th of each year make sure your taxes are completed and on April 16th complete or review your health care wishes.
NHDD is a way to encourage people to have conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life. This day, as well as events held throughout the year, are intended to empower people to complete advance directives by providing education on the importance of advance care planning and sharing the tools (forms, resources, guides, training) to help them express their wishes regarding healthcare.
Read Governor Evers' Proclamation
Resources & events
NHDD events
Numerous events are held each year in April, as well as throughout the year.
Note: If you are holding an advance directives workshop or training in your area, please send us your information.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - Brown County
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - Kenosha County
Statewide Virtual Planning AHEAD Series
April 10 - May 22 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration Fee: $25 (Includes hard copy or digital materials)
Space is limited. Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/20plp0
Celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day by participating in the statewide virtual Planning AHEAD series. Planning AHEAD is an end-of-life planning curriculum for all ages developed by UW-Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff. This 7-session program will help participants understand how to prepare for the end of life for themselves or a loved one, and why it's important to have a plan in place.
This program and workbook were designed for residents in Wisconsin and is specific to Wisconsin law. For more information go to: https://aging.extension.wisc.edu/programs/planning-ahead/
For more information on Planning AHEAD, contact Life Span Program Manager, Sara Richie by email at sara.richie@wisc.edu
NHDD resources
What is Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Advance Directive (AD)?
Your Path to Get What You Want: Advance Care Planning For Health Care & Financial Choices
For more information and access to advance directive forms:
- Visit the Wisconsin Medical Society website at:
https://www.wismed.org/wismed/wismed/about-us/advance-care-planning.aspx - For answers to your questions or for assistance with forms, see this contact list on the Wisconsin Medical Society’s website - Advance Care Planning Wisconsin Contacts - April 2023.pdf - Google Drive (includes Wis. healthcare facilities and community organizations such as ADRCs/aging units):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hQRKHcXCEZQ21pdEYlTo5ExaOuQbr6-L/view?pli=1 - For additional information and resources, go to: https://theconversationproject.org/
Advance directive forms and guides can be found at:
- Advance Directives | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/index.htm - Guardianship Support Center Resources (gwaar.org)
https://gwaar.org/guardianship-resources - Do-it-Yourself Consumer Packet: POA for Health Care
- Power of Attorney for Health Care State Form
- Power of Attorney for Health Care: An Overview
- Requirements for a Valid Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Responsibilities of a Health Care Agent Under a Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Revoking a Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Ten Reasons to Complete a Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Advance Care Planning & Advance Directive (wismed.org)
- Let'sTalk, Fox Valley Fox Valley Advance Care Planning Partnership (fvacpp.org)
