National Health Care Decisions Day is April 18

Who will speak for you?

In the event of an emergency, have you designated a person to make health-related decisions on your behalf? Everyone 18 and older is encouraged to complete an advance directive, also called a living will, and designate a health care surrogate to speak on his or her behalf if the need arises. UF Health is joining others around the country to observe National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 18.

Stop by the UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, to complete and scan your advance directive into the UF Health medical records system. Alternatively, join us that day at one of two UF Health Physicians locations — the UF Health Medical Plaza and UF Health Springhill.

Staff will provide resources to help you plan for unforeseen medical circumstances and care near the end of life. Questions that will be answered during these events include: When to begin thinking about a living will; which forms to complete and where to send them; and how to be sure that your wishes will be properly executed.

Pick up the UF Health Advance Directives packet, which includes forms you can use to make your wishes known. If you’ve already completed an advance directive, have your completed form scanned into your UF Health medical record. For more information, visit http://www.nhdd.org, and UFHealth.org/advance-directives.