Vermont Advance Directive Week

April 12th-18th, 2026

What is Vermont Advance Directive Week?

Vermont Advance Directive Week (April 12-18, 2026) is devoted to educating and raising awareness about the importance of advance care planning. Each year, this week coincides with National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), “an annual initiative celebrated on April 16th to encourage and empower people to begin or continue conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life.” NHDD is coordinated by The Conversation Project which provides resources to participants in all 50 states and more than 20 countries.

Check out who has pledged to participate this year: Join the Movement (NHDD)

To celebrate Vermont Advance Directive Week, VEN will be sharing stories, resources, and local events across the state to encourage all Vermonters to have conversations about their health care values and consider completing or updating their advance directives.

How to participate in Vermont Advance Directive Week:

Complete your own advance directive & share copies with your healthcare agent, loved ones, and your healthcare provider.
Register your advance directive with the Vermont Advance Directive Registry.
Tell someone you know about why you completed your advance directive.
Start a conversation with friends or loved ones about what matters to you regarding your healthcare. If you couldn’t speak for yourself, what do those close to you need to know?
Attend or host local events. Sign up for the Vermont Ethics Network Newsletter to see what events are happening in your area or check out our Community Events page.

Community Toolkit for VT Advance Directive Week

If you’ve already completed your advance directive and are interested in spreading the word in your community, consider hosting an event to discuss advance care planning and advance directives.

View the Toolkit Film/Media Discussion Guide