Factoid: Volunteerism prolongs life, improves health, makes new friends, and increases happiness.
HELP FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS: TEAM BRIDGE: In his December 8, 2023 Zoom talk to HSSD, we asked Law Professor Thaddeus Pope to spell out his idea for how a still-competent dementia patient can get help in achieving a chosen death lawfully.This involves creating a “bridge” between VSED (voluntarily stopping eating and drinking), hospice, and the End of Life Option Act. (Meeting Video) <br /> Professor Pope has published three papers on this subject in professional journals. We are eager to explore this model with people who have dementia if they do not want to suffer a prolonged demented death. Also with their families, with hospice personnel, and with doctors who are working with the End of Life Option Act. Volunteers who want to work on TEAM BRIDGE please contact Faye Girsh by phone or email.
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This is essentially a three step process:Step 1: Finding a cooperative hospice: I will work with other team members to discuss possible hospices where we can interview the Medical Directors, explain the Bridge plan (maybe show that part of the Pope talk). Our goal would be to find one or more hospices willing to participate in the plan. Step 2:Finding a doctor who will provide assistance: It will be helpful to develop a list of such physicians. This will not be published but for our use only. The team would talk to one doctor at a time urging him or her to view the Pope talk and determine if they would use the End of Life Option Act under the conditions described. In his talk Prof. Pope makes the case for why this procedure would be legal under present laws. Step 3: The team will be in touch with Professor Pope and with End of Life Oregon for advice and guidance. All of our contacts’ names will be kept confidential. If we are successful in getting the first client to complete the process, we will mention it in general terms and invite other participants.
TEAM COMPASSION: We’d like to have a team of volunteers who would work with members and families who want information on resources to help with the end of life. Whether it’s specifics about the End of Life Option Act, finding doctors, and/or clarifying their options. A volunteer could explain by phone, email, or an in-person visit. This is gratifying work. If this type of contact interests you please let us know. We can talk about your time and geographic limitations, and any training you may need to bring you up to date.
TEAM SPEAKING: This is another team of volunteers who enjoy speaking about end of life choices to various groups: civic organizations, senior groups, and any small or large informal groups which are interested in what Hemlock is/does, or the law on assisted dying, or what resources are available for comfort or a peaceful death. We will supply training to people who would like to be kept up to date. If doing public speaking interests you please start out by contacting Faye.
TEAM RESEARCH: HOW WE DIE: This is an effort to find out how people are dying now — among our members and friends. We will use surveys, interviews, and questionnaires to collect data for this project. If you’d like to be on this Team let Faye know.
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TEAM LEGISLATIVE ACTION: SUPPORT EXPANDING THE LAW: Current assisted dying laws in the U.S. are based on one that was passed in Oregon in 1994 — 31 years ago! It has been called the world’s most restrictive law. Since then, 11 other U.S. jurisdictions have passed similar laws permitting MAiD (Medical Aid in Dying).
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The Hemlock Society of San Diego is a nonprofit 501C(3) educational organization, but can use 20% of its resources for legal change. That was our objective when we first started in 1987 and were successful in helping to pass the Oregon and Washington MAID laws as well as the one in California.We have been aware, since the California End of Life Option Act passed in 2016, that many people were excluded from its provisions because they were not likely to die in six months, or could not self-administer the medication.
<br /> We look forward to hearing from you. Let’s make 2025 a renaissance for the Hemlock Society of San Diego through enthusiastic volunteer participation.
Faye Girsh, Ed.D.
Founder and President of the Hemlock Society of San Diego
858 456-2881
fayegirsh@msn.com
