National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) – April 16 2026

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) – April 16 

National Healthcare Decisions Day is celebrated annually on April 16^th, 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 15^th of each year make sure your taxes are completed and on April 16^th 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.

"Resources & Local Contacts for Wisconsin Advance Care Planning and Advance Directive Information" updated by the Wisconsin Advance Care Planning Community Collaborative.

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)