Many people have an advance directive, but few understand how decisions are actually carried out in a medical setting. This class examines end-of-life planning in New Hampshire, including the role of advance directives and the critical importance of medical orders such as POLST and DNR. We will cover end-of-life options available in NH now, including voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). We will also cover Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), a legal option available to roughly one third of Americans, but not yet here in NH. We'll discuss what MAiD is, what it is not, where things stand in NH, and how individuals are working to bring this option to NH. The emphasis is on practical understanding, clear communication, and preparing for real-world decisions. This event is free and open to the public.

Presenters:

Rebecca Brown is founder and director of the New Hampshire Alliance for End-of-Life Options (www.nhendoflifeoptions.org). The Alliance is a grassroots effort dedicated to better end-of-life experiences for all people and advocating for allowing medical aid in dying in New Hampshire. Rebecca is a journalist and author, founded and directed the North Country's lands conservancy, and is a professional fly-fishing guide. Her commitment to improving end-of-life experiences for all grew from her husband’s death while she was serving in the NH Legislature. She focuses on the policy and personal realities of serious illness, death, and dying.

Dr. Eric Pollak is a family physician and hospice medical director with over 30 years of experience accompanying patients through the challenges of serious illness. He focuses on shared decision-making, blending clinical evidence and judgment with a deep respect for individual values and goals. His work reflects a sustained commitment to making care at the end of life more humane, thoughtful, and aligned with what matters most to patients and families.