Senate Resolution No. 5
(By Senators Prezioso, Stollings, Foster, Jenkins, Wells and Unger)

Designating January 16, 2007, as "Health Decisions Day".
Whereas, Health care planning is a process, rather than a single decision, that helps people consider the kind of care they would want to receive in the event of serious illness or incapacitation, encourages them to discuss these issues with their loved ones and physicians and assists them in documenting their wishes in writing; and
Whereas, Advance directives give individuals the ability to document their wishes relating to health care decisions and to delegate a representative to speak for them should they become unable to speak for themselves; and
Whereas, It is vitally important for an individual to consider health care decisions that may arise in the future; and
Whereas, Introducing these issues in community settings can help people begin conversations about their health care wishes with a family member, close friend, physician or faith leader; and
Whereas, West Virginia has a number of local coalitions and organizations throughout the state that are working to involve individuals and families in health care planning through educational forums, discussion groups, speakers' bureaus and training; and
Whereas, West Virginia's Advance Care Planning Program, which has received national recognition as one of the most comprehensive advance care planning programs in the nation, is being utilized by health care facilities and senior citizens' centers throughout the state to help residents discuss and plan for their care at the end of life; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby designates January 16, 2007, as "Health Decisions Day"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Center for End-of- Life Care.