North Carolinians whose wishes are honored when they are no longer able to speak for themselves,” said Easley. “As a result of this week being recognized in North Carolina, more people will have conversations about their healthcare decisions and put their wishes in writing,” said Governor Easley.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall joins with the Governor to take this opportunity to let people know about the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State’s Advance Health Care Directive Registry. “This voluntary, state-maintained registry is offered to people who want to plan ahead. Advance Directives such as living wills and health care powers of attorney are designed to give you a voice in your own health care issues. The registry is a powerful tool to make sure your voice is heard.” Information about the secure, web-based registry can be obtained on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sosnc.com or by calling 919.807.2162.

Throughout the week, state and local bar associations in partnership with community organizations will provide outreach and education about health care decision-making. Currently, only a small percentage of the adult population makes known their wishes about end of life care decisions, and few potential organ and tissue donors ever inform anyone of their desire to donate.

The Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care is working with community partnerships in many of the 100 counties in North Carolina to hold activities related to health care decision making and organ and tissue donation. Please contact Dee Leahman, 336.768.3972 or dee.leahman@hospicecarecenter.org for a list of planned activities.

You can view the Proclamation by clicking here