FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/02/2020

Greencastle, Indiana. National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is usually on April 16th, the day after tax returns are due. However, since the income tax filing deadline was postponed this year until July 15, NHDD was also postponed to July 16. The date was inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s quip that “nothing in life is certain but death and taxes.”

NHDD exists to educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning and completing advance directives such as a healthcare representative and a living will. Tammy Hunter, board member of the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) commented, “It is important for all adults in all stages of life and health to discuss and document their healthcare wishes in case they suffer an accident or medical event and cannot speak for themselves.”

NHDD provides a timely message for the people of Putnam County. PCHPCA recently announced that according to Putnam County Hospital data, there has been little to no change over the last few years in the incidence of Putnam County adults completing advance care directives. Roughly 9% of the Hospital’s patient population reports having an advance directive, which is lower than the national average of 27%.

Hunter said, “The Association is closely watching advance care planning trends in Putnam County. Research shows that advance care planning reduces family and caregiver stress and anxiety and increases patient and family satisfaction with healthcare.” The PCHPCA website reports that in prospective studies and randomized trials, advance care planning has significantly improved multiple outcomes, particularly for patients with serious illness. For more information, see https://pchpca.org/index.php/hp-advance-care-planning.

Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) is a nonprofit, charitable organization that has joined national, state, and community efforts to increase the quality of the end-of-life experience for patients, loved ones, caregivers, and the healthcare community in Putnam County. PCHPCA is partially supported by The Putnam County Community Foundation and the Putnam County Hospital. For information and resources contact Elaine Peck, Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.pchpca.org.