Honoring Choices Vashon was formed through the efforts of Wendy Noble and Carol Spangler using the model of Respecting Choices to provide information and tools to discuss end of life wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers and to help Islanders create advance care directives.

The vision is for Vashon to be a community where death is understood as a natural part of life, where loved ones do not face confusion and conflict when crucial decisions have to be made, and where residents’ wishes for their care are known, respected and honored. Bud Hammes, medical ethicist and director of Medical Humanities and Respecting Choices for Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI presents the basics of his work with the Respecting Choices program and moderates a panel discussion of how similar programs have been established in Washington.

The panel includes Mary Ann Percy of Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement, Paula Beatty from the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition and Jessica Martinson, the director of Clinical Education and Professional Development, Washington State Medical Association.

Videography by Peter Ray for VoV