Advance Care Planning:
the ongoing influence of Terri Schiavo's story

While it has been over one year since Terri Schiavo's death, the media’s interest in the story will continue as people across the country discuss issues involved in end-of-life care and debate the events in this particular case. Books have released by her husband, her family, her family’s lawyer, and others.  The conflict among these individuals may very well fascinate the media for some time.  It has also come to our attention that many community activists are beginning to rally around end-of-life issues--the topic of end-of-life care may also be featured in political debates that are beginning in anticipation of November's elections.  

It is difficult seeing the tension that end-of-life debates can lead to, it does offer an opportunity for hospice and palliative care professionals to engage with communities to help educate them about quality, compassionate care.  NHPCO invites hospice and palliative care providers, coalitions and LIVE Partners to engage communities in activities that will enhance awareness about the importance of advance care planning.  The following are resources available to complement your community engagement activities:  

• Op-ed - a suggested article to submit to your local newspaper or print in your newsletter:  "We're Only Human"
• Common Questions about ANH – here are some frequently asked questions about artificial nutrition and hydration
• Media Relations Tips – offers some basic pointers to assist with media relations in your community
• Key facts about hospice care – provides reliable data for your messages to the media and others  
• Advance care planning awareness ribbon campaign – Wear a white ribbon to promote the importance of advance care planning!  Special ribbon pins are available at NHPCO’s Marketplace 

LIVE Campaign Resources

• LIVE Promise card – engage others to make the LIVE Promise and talk to loved ones about their end-of-life wishes!
• Helping People LIVE flyers – gives an overview of the resources and services Caring Connections is providing to people who are dealing with end-of-life issues.   Free copies are available to distribute in your community!T o order, call the HelpLine at 800/658-8898 or e-mail your request to consumers@nhpco.org.
• PowerPoint presentations – to use for community presentations. Content and speaking notes can be adapted as need. These PowerPoints are from Caring Connections Web site.
  • Advance Directives Outreach Presentation
  • Communicating End-of-Life Wishes 
• State specific advance directives are available for individuals
• Caring Connections advance care planning consumer brochures - member discounts are available at NHPCO’s Marketplace. Brochure content can be viewed at www.caringinfo.org (follow the link for advance care planning resources).  Brochure titles include:

• It’s About How You LIVE campaign toolkit and other community outreach resources are located in at www.LIVEpartners.org.