National Healthcare Decisions Day (sometimes referred to as NHDD) is an annual initiative celebrated on April 16th to encourage and empower people to begin conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life.
NHDD is both for individuals and community leaders. The date was set in 2008, by attorney Nathan Kottkamp, based on the Benjamin Franklin quote that ā[I]n this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.ā So, do your taxes each year by the 15th and review your health care wishes each year on the 16th.
Over time NHDD has grown into a national series of independent events hosted through the month of April by hundreds of community groups or individuals: health care systems, legal services, faith-based organizations, book clubsā¦ you name it, someone has brought it to that audience.
On April 8, 2026 the Conversation Project will be hosting a Community Virtual Event āHow to discuss your wishes for care through the end of life with family and friendsā from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT. This call is open to the general public. Please promote this event in your community and share the registration link.
The Conversation Project, an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, has free resources to help you have these conversations or share this idea in your community. Click Here
