I Choose to Prepare -Tell YOUR Story, 4/14/2018
In observance of ‘National Healthcare Decisions Day’, the ACCA hosted an innovative celebration to empower congregants and community members in advance care planning and thinking through wishes at the end-of-life. The first annual “I Choose to Prepare—Tell Your Story” event was held on 4/14/2018 at Word Assembly Church in Oakland, CA, and was attended by over 80 people. This youth-focused community event featured spoken word, dance performances, and a host of other expressions centered around empowerment and preparation.
“ My mom came and loved it. She has an advance directive in place but picked up the Five Wishes AD and wants to do that. She wants to share this with people at her complex. One video testimonial really stood out for her.”
According to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 1/3 of Americans have their end-of-life wishes documented. Rates are far lower for African American adults over 65, where only 19% have their wishes documented.
The goal of this event was to approach the practice of advance care planning preparation in a positive, empowering and fun manner by including the use of music and the arts in various ways. We want everyone to know that their voices are powerful, their wishes are valued, and they can take control of their care by writing their wishes down.
In preparation for this unique and inspiring event, UC Davis videographer, Rebecca Badeaux, filmed four short testimonials under the title “I Choose to Prepare—Tell Your Story” theme, describing ACCA Care Navigators’ personal experiences with serious illness care and advance care planning. These videos were presented at this event.
The videos have been presented at local and national presentations and were submitted to the inaugural Sharecare Awards competition and were selected as a finalist in the Caregiving/End of Life category. The Sharecare Awards is in association with The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter, which fosters creativity and inspires artistic and technical excellence through the renowned Emmy® Award. Category Winners will be announced at the Sharecare Awards gala on March 14, 2019 in Atlanta. The press release can be accessed through this link: https://about.sharecare.com/press-releases/sharecare-names-finalists-for-inaugural-sharecare-awards.
A link to the videos: www.SharecareAwards.org/voting