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National Healthcare Decisions Day

Make sure your healthcare wishes are honored - take the time to learn more about National Healthcare Decisions Day and make your decisions today!

Friday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Join us in celebrating National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16! This day is all about making sure that your healthcare wishes are known and respected. It's an opportunity to make sure that your loved ones understand the decisions you would want to make if you were unable to communicate them yourself. The day has been around since 2008, when it was created by a group of organizations dedicated to promoting advance care planning. So let's celebrate this important day by having meaningful conversations with our loved ones and making sure our wishes are heard!

TIMELINE

National Healthcare Decisions Day Timeline

Initiation of the Movement

The idea of National Healthcare Decisions Day was conceptualized to promote advance care planning and discussions about end-of-life care.

Inaugural National Healthcare Decisions Day

The first National Healthcare Decisions Day was observed, founded by multiple organizations in the healthcare field.

National Recognition

The U.S. Department of Health and Human acknowledges and spreads awareness about National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Reach Expands Nationwide

Organizations across all 50 United States participated in the event to encourage people to express their wishes about healthcare decisions.

Growing the Movement

Over 1,000 organizations were actively promoting National Healthcare Decisions Day, reaching out to millions of people across the U.S.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day

Organize a Health Care Fair

Host a Health Care Fair in your local community to educate individuals about the importance of making health care decisions and to provide resources for those who need help making such decisions.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a Hospital

Volunteer your time at a local hospital or health care facility. You can offer support to individuals and families who are making difficult health care decisions, and help them understand the implications of their choices.

WRITE

Write an Article

Write an article for your local newspaper or website about the importance of National Healthcare Decisions Day and how individuals can make informed decisions about their health care.

HOST

Host a Discussion Group

Gather your friends and family together to discuss the importance of healthcare decisions and to share what they have learned about the process. Having a safe and open space to talk about these matters will help everyone become better informed.

Share Resources Online

Share resources online with others about how to make informed healthcare decisions. By sharing this information, you can help spread awareness and empower others to make the best choices for themselves.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Healthcare Decisions Day is Important

It ensures your wishes are followed

By taking the time to make your preferences clear, you can rest assured that any treatment decisions will be carried out according to your wishes. This way, your medical professionals can focus on providing quality care instead of having to spend extra time examining options or getting input from family members.

It encourages open communication

National Healthcare Decisions Day is an important reminder to have conversations with loved ones about end-of-life care. Exploring medical issues and preferences in advance can help ensure that everyone involved are on the same page when it comes time for a decision to be made.

It reduces stress

Having advance healthcare directives in place can help take some of the burden off family members when a difficult decision needs to be made. Knowing what you would prefer takes away the guesswork and prevents additional stress during an already trying time.

Related holidays

Dying Matters Week

Dying Matters Week is a time to have important conversations about death and end of life care - let's break the taboo and start talking.

National Death Doula Day

On National Death Doula Day, we honor those who provide compassionate end-of-life care and support. Let's recognize their important role in our lives.

National Patient Advocacy Day

On National Patient Advocacy Day, join us in standing up for patients' rights and advocating for better healthcare access and support.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

Celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day by showing your support for those facing serious illnesses - donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness!

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