National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) was founded in 2008 by attorney Nathan Kottkamp to promote clear, values-based healthcare decision-making. Its goal is to provide individuals, families, and providers with free, simple tools—not just forms—to guide thoughtful conversations about care preferences.
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes,” NHDD is observed each year on April 16—right after Tax Day—to encourage people to revisit their healthcare wishes annually.
What began as a single initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, with events hosted throughout April by hospitals, legal groups, faith organizations, and community leaders. NHDD aims to normalize advance care planning, emphasize the importance of conversation, and highlight that it’s more than just a form—it’s about choosing the right decision-maker and keeping those wishes up to date.
For more information, see, The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/
Share this post