National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. Across the country, every healthcare facility will participate as the flagship venues for public engagement. UNC Health Southeastern will observe this day on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Rust Tower Lobby. Information will be available on Advance Directives (Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will.) A Notary Public will be available for completion of paperwork at this event. Notary services are available at other times by appointment by calling Rev. Dean Carter at (910) 671-5031.
Advance Care Planning Documents
Advance care planning includes conversations and documents that help make treatment preferences known to family, friends, and medical providers. An Advance Directive is a document that helps patients communicate their wishes for their healthcare in the event they become seriously ill or injured.
The document most commonly used at UNC Health Southeastern is a five-page form that includes:
- Healthcare Power of Attorney - allows the naming of one or more persons who can make medical decisions for you when you cannot communicate your treatment preferences
- Living Will - allows the specification of medical treatment and interventions you do/don't want if you become incapacitated
Patients may complete either section or both sections as part of their advance care planning. In North Carolina, these documents are required to be notarized in the presence of two witnesses. UNC Health Southeastern stipulates that witnesses to advance care planning documents not be hospital employees or volunteers, so usually if notarized in the hospital, visitors to the hospital will serve as witnesses.
Additional Resources: Your Conversation Stater Guide
