Communicate your wishes and plan ahead with advance directives. Human life is a precious gift and we are committed to providing care and support for all in need. When illness becomes critical, it is necessary to think about those difficult decisions regarding life-saving measures. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare. This includes the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment. You also have the right to give direction, in advance, about the kind of healthcare you want if the time comes when you cannot make your own decisions. You can do this by completing an advance directive. You can control your future healthcare by signing a Power of Attorney for Health Care form naming a trusted relative or friend to communicate for you, and by signing a document called a Living Will that tells the kind of life-sustaining treatment you want or don’t want. These documents, called Advance Directives, are written statements you make, in advance, about your future medical treatment decisions. What is an Advance Directive? Advance directives are the legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself. You do not need a lawyer to complete advance directives. For more information about creating advance directives and copies of the various documents: In Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health web site at www.idph.state.il.us . In Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public health web site at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov . Additional Wisconsin Resources Now and at the Hour of My Death Booklet Catholic Addendum (Advance Care Planning from a Catholic Perspective)

Start the Conversation Discussion Guides for Advance Care Planning Advance Care Planning – Serving as Agent Advance Care Planning – Patient Perspective Organ and Tissue Donation Organ and tissue donation offers patients a new chance at healthy, productive and normal lives and returns them to their families, friends and communities. You have the power to change someone's world by being an organ and tissue donor. It's about living. It's about life. In Illinois, find more information at: Illinois Coalition on Donation Illinois Secretary of State In Wisconsin, find more information at: DonateLife Wisconsin Talking about death and dying is difficult. Yet, it is precisely conversations and advance planning like this that can help ease what will always be a difficult situation. This series was produced with the intention of providing guidance on specific end of life topics to help form your conscience – no matter what your stage in life is.