National Healthcare Decisions Day 2020

Today is significant for several reasons: Today marks one month since Virginians began to stay home in an attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve. It also marks 13 years since the mass shooting at Virginia Tech.

With these sobering events in mind, we are reminded that life is fragile. The date and time of our demise is unknown, but time most assuredly is not on the side of any one of us.

With this reality in mind, and against the backdrop of the current pandemic, Leitch Law encourages readers to consider reviewing their healthcare documents. National Healthcare Decisions Day is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. It is helpful to understand that advance healthcare decision-making includes much more than living wills; it is a process that should focus first on conversation and choosing an agent.

Virginia-specific resources can be found here. A COVID-19-specific resources can be found here and here. While free forms are available online, we do encourage you to discuss your individual situation and wishes with appropriate legal, medical, and spiritual counsel.