For Immediate Release
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CONTACT: Christi Powers
State Bar of Wisconsin
(800) 444-9404, ext. 6025
cpowers@wisbar.org |
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Governor's proclamation launches Life Planning Week in Wisconsin
Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager to participate in Telephone Hotline
on Wednesday
MADISON, November 24, 2003 - To remind Wisconsin
families about the importance of preparing for future health needs,
Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed the week of Nov. 24 as "Life Planning
Week." Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager will present the proclamation
on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at a 9:30 a.m. press conference in room 114-E at
the state capitol.
"Planning ahead for future health needs can make all the difference
to you and your family during a medical emergency," Lautenschlager said.
"Life Planning Week is a reminder for Wisconsin residents to discuss
health care decisions and put your wishes in writing before that
emergency happens."
Immediately following the press conference, the State Bar of
Wisconsin, in conjunction with the Madison law firm of DeWitt, Ross
& Stevens, will host a Life Planning Hotline from 10 a.m. to 12
noon. The Attorney General, in addition to other volunteer attorneys,
will be on hand to answer questions and provide life planning
information. Callers can dial (608) 252-9305 to learn
more about advance directives, medical powers of attorney, declarations
to physicians and other end-of-life treatment options.
"The State Bar is pleased to launch Life Planning Week," said State
Bar President George Burnett. "During the past four years we have
distributed nearly one hundred thousand life planning kits to help
Wisconsin residents prepare for their medical future."
In 1999, the State Bar joined forces with the Wisconsin Health &
Hospital Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society and Gundersen
Lutheran Medical Center in a statewide public service campaign on life
planning. Through the partnership, a consumer guide A Gift to Your
Family was produced that provides information, instructions and medical
forms. The kits can be purchased for $2.99 through the State Bar's order
fulfillment center at (800) 444-9404 or downloaded for free at http://www.legalexplorer.com/resources/booksearch.asp.
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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