Governor Proclaims November 8-12 as Life Planning Week
DHFS Deputy Secretary Kicks Off Promotion at State Law Library
MADISON, November 8, 2004 - On behalf of
Governor Jim Doyle,Department of Health and Family Services Deputy
Secretary Kenneth Munson presented a gubernatorial proclamation at the
State Law Library in Madison this morning designating November 8 - 12 as
Life Planning Week in the State of Wisconsin. Life Planning Week is an
initiative to increase public awareness about the importance of
preparing for future healthcare needs. Planning ahead assists family
members in carrying out eventual end-of-life treatment options and
medical directives.
"The State Bar is pleased to sponsor Life Planning Week events
in communities throughout the state," says State Bar of Wisconsin
President Michelle Behnke. "Planning ahead for future health needs
can make all the difference to you and your family during a medical
emergency. Life Planning Week serves as a reminder for Wisconsin
residents to discuss health care decisions and put their wishes in
writing before that emergency happens."
The State Bar offers a consumer guide entitled, A Gift to Your
Family, that provides information, instructions and medical forms.
Last year more than 6,000 copies of this valuable guide were downloaded
from www.legalexplorer.com,
the State Bar's web site during Life Planning Week 2003.
This topic has been of great interest in the news as of late,
especially with high profile cases such as Terri Schiavo's in
Florida.
The State Bar joined forces with the Wisconsin Health & Hospital
Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society and Gundersen Lutheran
Medical Center to develop the Life Planning Guide and promote statewide
public service campaign on life planning beginning in 1999.
The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory
professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for
attorneys who hold a law license in Wisconsin. With more than 20,000
members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration
of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members to help
them maintain their expertise, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying
out community service initiatives to educate the public about the legal
system and the value of lawyers.
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