Death discussed statewide during designated day

Ten percent of the American population will die suddenly. Ninety percent will experience a slow decline and a relatively short terminal phase.

Some die easily and comfortably, while others die with a great deal of suffering and distress.

Few of us are ready for the hard choices that may have to be made at the end of life, experts say, but planning ahead can do much to mitigate the challenges.

The public can get free help in preparing living wills during a statewide program hosted by the Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy. Held in conjunction with "It's OK to Talk About Death Day" proclaimed by Gov. Kenny Guinn, the program was created to encourage residents to be fully aware of end-of-life issues and the needs of dying people and their families.

Public workshops were conducted Wednesday in 37 locations in 28 cities around the state. A team of volunteer professionals, from lawyers to health-care providers, helped attendees complete living wills at no charge and answer questions about death and dying. Durable power of attorney documents, and a full range of end-of-life care issues including medical, emotional, and spiritual needs were addressed.

The program is funded through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to the Sanford Center for Aging and the Department of Health Ecology, at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Under the leadership of the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, the grant established the Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy as a statewide collaboration for the promotion of ethical and appropriate health care.

Those wanting any further resources or information including pain management, palliative care, advance care planning, and other death and dying topics, are invited to call the health hotline at 1(888)324-3243, or the Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy at (775)327-2309.