Gloversville, NY — Along with other national, state and community organizations, leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). As a participating organization, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home as well as Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care are providing information and tools for the public to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with New York State laws.

“Advance care planning is one of the most meaningful ways individuals can ensure their voice is heard, even in moments when they may not be able to speak for themselves,” said Susan “Susie” Duross, FNP, ACHPN, Director of Palliative Care Services at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as an important reminder that these conversations are not just about medical care—they are about honoring personal values, preserving dignity, and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult decisions. We encourage everyone in our community to take the time to reflect, talk with loved ones, and document their wishes.”

Specifically, on April 16, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Nathan Littauer is welcoming the public throughout the day at its Main Lobby with free information about advance care planning and advance directive forms.

“Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care is thrilled to collaborate with Nathan Littauer Hospital in a shared commitment to advancing patient‑centered care in our community,” said Mountain Valley Hospital and Palliative Care Director of Operations Celeste Farnham, MSN, RN. “By working together, we are strengthening our ability to support patients and families through thoughtful, compassionate advanced care planning. These conversations ensure that individuals’ values, preferences, and goals are honored across every stage of care. This collaboration represents an important step forward in delivering coordinated, high‑quality healthcare that respects patient choice, improves outcomes, and supports dignity throughout the care journey.”

As a result of National Healthcare Decisions Day, many more people in our community can be expected to have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known. Fewer families and healthcare providers will have to struggle with making difficult healthcare decisions in the absence of guidance from the patient, and healthcare providers and facilities will be better equipped to address advance healthcare planning issues before a crisis and be better able to honor patient wishes when the time comes to do so.

For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit http://nhdd.org.

About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve.  More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org or calling (518) 725-8621