National Healthcare Decisions Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 10, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
National Health Care Decisions Day was started in 2008 to raise awareness about giving priority to individual health-related decisions

Where is National Health Care Decisions Day observed?

The United States of America observes this day.

Who is National Health Care Decisions Day observed by?

 This day is observed by all who intend to secure their own and family's life through understanding and implementing several health care schemes.

When did National Health Care Decisions Day first start?

This day was first started in 2008.

Who started National Health Care Decisions Day?

 Nathan Kottkamp started National Health Care Decisions Day.

History And Timeline

This day has no specific traditions to follow, but the best tradition to follow would be to encourage your family, and other neighborhood families, to organize an advanced care plan that could help them in the future. Completion of an advance directive would reduce any burden on loved ones in case of adversity.

Signing Of The First Public Health Law

On July 16, President John Adams approved the first federal public health law titled 'An Act For The Relief Of Sick And Disabled Seamen.'

1798

Bill For The Benefit Of The Indigent Insane Passed

One of the earliest federal proposals that covered healthcare facilities for people who are mentally unstable, deaf, and blind was passed.

1854

Creation Of National Health Service

Theodore Roosevelt, during the presidential election of 1912, created a National Health Service.

1912

Creation Of Blue Cross

Blue Cross was one of the first insurance programs being provided by individual hospitals.

1933

Founding The National Health Care Decisions Day

This day was commemorated in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp

2008

Ways To Observe National Health Care Decisions Day

The best way to observe National Healthcare Decisions Day is to prioritize and plan your healthcare services, decisions, and other advance care planning initiatives. Assemble all important documents, complete any formalities, and put them in a readily accessible place where your family can find them if necessary.

Don't forget to educate and talk to your family about these documents that have the basic or advanced care planning details.

Facts And Stats

  • Even churches are known to host community discussions with doctors and other healthcare organizations to promote this day.
  • This day was an initiative, from a health care lawyer, to create awareness for the public. different facilities, and providers about important healthcare decisions that should be taken. Nathan Kottkamp, The healthcare lawyer who founded this day, did so by formulating different tools to help guide the process.
  • Many organizations emphasize this day to several patients, encouraging them to take initiative about their advance care planning. Also by, encouraging people in their community to reach out to different facilities and providers for clarification on concerns.
  • Public campaigns ran by educational institutes and national media, support this day by having many individual events.
  •  The Palliative Care Organization and National Hospice also acknowledge this day by encouraging people and their loved ones to start opening up about different health care decisions important to them in the near future.

What day is National Healthcare Decisions Day?

Every year on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed.

Who started National Healthcare Decisions Day?

 Nathan Kottkamp founded this day.

What is the purpose of National Healthcare Decisions Day?

The purpose of this day is to empower and educate the public, their loved ones, and healthcare providers to proactively take part in advance care planning decisions.

How does National Healthcare Decisions Day help educate the public?

This helps in raising awareness to the public through media and other public campaigns.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 16, 2020
  • Friday, April 16, 2021
  • Saturday, April 16, 2022
  • Sunday, April 16, 2023
  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

Read full bio >