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| Description | History | Mission | Vision |
DESCRIPTION OF THE Someone to Trust PROGRAM
Tragic events such as the Terri Schiavo, Nancy Cruzan and Karen Anne Quinlan cases have demonstrated what can happen when people have not clearly communicated their preferences for health care treatment should they become incapacitated. These heartbreaking stories have helped raise awareness about the importance of planning ahead for healthcare and making wishes known.
During the 1990’s, many experts advocated the use of advance directives (living wills and healthcare powers of attorney) only to discover that the simple act of completing a document was often not sufficient to anticipate the kind of decision-making that actually takes place at the bedside. As a result, a new approach known as advance care planning (see Advance Care Planning) has been developed to help individuals communicate their values and beliefs as they relate to healthcare. This approach also works with the healthcare system to ensure that advance care plans are accessible when needed and honored by the healthcare institution.
Advance care planning programs have been initiated in over 40 communities in the U.S. and Canada and throughout Australia. However, no one has attempted to introduce an advance care planning program in a city of the size and scope of Chicago. The Someone to Trust (STT) initiative, with the support of the Chicago Region Advance Care Planning Coalition, seeks to eventually reach all Chicago-area residents over the age of 18 with the tools to plan for their healthcare. Through partnerships with cultural, spiritual and community groups, STT will facilitate conversations in which participants can make their preferences for healthcare treatments known.
The long-term goal of the project is to significantly increase the number of Chicago-area residents who have participated in advance care planning prior to a healthcare crisis, thus assuring family members and healthcare providers that they have honored patients’ wishes.
at 312-636-9261 or someonetotrust@iomc.org.