N.J. Nonprofit Launches Major Public Education Initiative to Promote Advance Care Planning
MARLTON, N.J., May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Many people are reluctant to discuss their wishes for care during serious illness and at end of life. As a result, patients and families often endure unnecessary stress and pain.
A leading South Jersey healthcare provider launched a major initiative on May 18 to address this critical issue. Marlton-based Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice kicked off a highly visible campaign to educate the public about end-of-life planning and care, and to encourage people to discuss these important matters with their loved ones.
"Pain, illness and mortality are such taboo subjects, it's difficult for people to bring them up," says Dr. Stephen Goldfine, chief medical officer of not-for-profit Samaritan, South Jersey's first and largest hospice. "But a serious disease or injury can strike at any age, so everyone should make their wishes known, in case they become unable to speak for themselves."
Indeed, 38 percent of New Jersey residents surveyed had never discussed end-of-life wishes with their families, and 54 percent had not documented their wishes in writing, according to a 2014 poll.
Samaritan's campaign uses billboards, online ads and signs on PATCO Hi-Speedline trains and platforms. Each display will feature a powerful headline and a few simple statements.
Headlines include:
It's hard to find answers when you're afraid to ask questions.
Let's talk about what no one wants to talk about.
Pain. Illness. It shouldn't hurt to talk about it.
Those attention-grabbers are followed by:
Pain. Illness. Mortality. Don't endure it alone.
Start the conversation at SamaritanNJ.org
At the website, visitors will find tools to help them think about and discuss their wishes, and document them in writing.
Says Dr. Goldfine: "We think this unconventional approach will really get people to stop, think and take those next steps to learn and do more."
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice provides a range of services to people with serious or terminal illnesses and their families, including hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, geriatric care management and grief support. The organization serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. Visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.
SOURCE Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
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