04/16/2026
National Healthcare Decisions Day – April 16
National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is an annual initiative observed on April 16 to encourage and empower people to have conversations about their wishes for care through the end of life.
NHDD is about advance care planning—not just paperwork, but meaningful conversations. It encourages individuals to express their healthcare wishes and reminds providers and care teams to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.
Founded in 2008, NHDD helps normalize reviewing healthcare decisions each year, recognizing that our values, priorities, and relationships can change over time. Advance care planning isn’t just for when we’re sick—and it’s not only about living wills. It’s about choosing a trusted decision maker and starting the conversation.
Today, NHDD is supported nationwide by healthcare organizations, community groups, faith communities, and advocates working together to make these conversations more approachable, inclusive, and accessible.
📅 This April 16, we invite you to take a moment to talk with someone important in your life about what matters most to you.
Start the conversation. Share your wishes. Plan ahead.
🔗 Learn more: https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/origins/