NATIONAL DAYHEALTH & WELLNESS

National Healthcare Decisions Day

On National Healthcare Decisions Day, we make a little room on the calendar for the thing that makes us who we are.

APR16

Friday, April 16Every year on April 16

days to go

Roots: Founded in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp, a Virginia healthcare lawyer
Vibe: Encouraging open dialogue about health decisions.
Also on Apr 16: World Voice Day · Pathway Day · Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
Hashtag: #NationalHealthcareDecisionsDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

National Healthcare Decisions Day is observed on April 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, Apr 16this year

2027Fri, Apr 16

2028Sun, Apr 16

2029Mon, Apr 16

2030Tue, Apr 16

2031Wed, Apr 16

2032Fri, Apr 16

2033Sat, Apr 16

2034Sun, Apr 16

2035Mon, Apr 16

2036Wed, Apr 16

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Fast facts

About two-thirds of Americans have not completed advance directives.

Only 32% of Americans have discussed their end-of-life care wishes.

The story

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is observed every year on April 16, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning. The day encourages individuals to consider and communicate their healthcare preferences, ensuring that their wishes are known and respected. With origins dating back to 2008, NHDD has grown to become a vital part of healthcare advocacy in the United States.

Read the full story

The significance of this day cannot be overstated, many people find it challenging to discuss topics like illness, aging, and end-of-life care. However, having these conversations is essential for making informed decisions about one’s healthcare. Engaging in discussions with family and friends can lead to a better understanding of each person’s wishes and relieve the burden on loved ones during difficult times.

On this day, resources are made available to help individuals and families navigate advance care planning. The goal is to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their healthcare decisions openly. One key aspect is the completion of legal documents, such as advance directives and living wills, which provide clarity about a person's healthcare preferences. This ensures that their wishes are honored, even when they cannot speak for themselves. Taking the time to plan today can lead to peace of mind tomorrow.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is not just a national observance; it also aligns with global movements promoting patient autonomy and informed consent. Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of empowering individuals to take charge of their health decisions. As more people engage in these conversations, the hope is that healthcare systems will evolve to prioritize patient-centered care, ultimately improving health outcomes for all.