View this email in your browser
Welcome to our newsletter!
November 2021
Its purpose is simple:
- to keep you informed of news / information related to our growth
- to provide education about Medical Aid in Dying
- to provide progress updates on legislative actions
- to identify ways in which you can help

Progress Update

Our goal is to educate the public about Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), build a strong network of advocates voicing their support, and work with the Florida State Legislature to get a Medical Aid in Dying law for Florida.

We have model legislation provided by the Death with Dignity National Center.  This model legislation is based on the current enacted Medical Aid in Dying laws from across the nation. Over the last 4 months we have presented to a total of 91 state legislators explaining the need for this law in Florida.  We attended in person or virtually, Legislative Delegation meetings in 13 different counties.  Those meetings resulted in one on one follow up meetings with a significant number of Senate and House legislators.  Many of the legislators expressed support for Medical Aid in Dying.  We have had productive talks with key legislators and are working to get a sponsor in both the House and Senate.

In addition to meeting with legislators, Kate Parker, a member of our Core Team, has been busy in The Villages meeting hundreds of residents and educating them about our mission.  She and her team of volunteers have held tabling events and group meetings.  Our membership in The Villages has increased dramatically due to her volunteer efforts.

We are happy to announce that our new website www.FloridaDeathWithDignity.org went live last month! There you can find educational information about Medical Aid in Dying, a detailed look at our organization, and opportunities for you to be involved. Since August, the membership has doubled to over 450 members and is active on social media.

We have submitted paperwork to obtain our 501(c)(3) status.  Thank you to all who have asked how to donate to our cause.  Once we have authorization to accept donations, we will update the website www.FloridaDeathWithDignity.org with a donate button, and inform our members via email. 

Our volunteer training programs are under development and estimated to be completed by year end.  Thanks to Kate and Roberta, members of our Core Team, for their efforts!

Volunteer Spotlight

It is only appropriate that our first Volunteer Spotlight features Kate Parker.  Kate was the first volunteer to step forward and actively work to help create the organization we are today.  Tireless energy and enthusiasm are descriptors of the efforts Kate exhibits while working to educate Floridians about Medical Aid in Dying.  Kate is originally from Washington State where Aid in Dying is legal. Now living in The Villages, she no longer has the security of having a full set of end of life options.

Kate has excelled in making person to person contact with hundreds of The Village's residents. The number of individuals that receive our newsletter has increased dramatically because of her efforts.

Thanks Kate!

Building our Core Team

A bright idea can come from anyone!  The more diversity we have on our team, the more unique perspectives we share.  Everyone deserves an Aid in Dying option, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. We are committed to an inclusive core team that fully represents different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints. Our group is actively looking for more volunteers to fill both leadership and non-leadership positions. Contact us at volunteer.fldwd@gmail.com for more information.

Erik Carlson's Story

"Erik Carlson was staring down a terminal illness with an awful end. He wasn’t sure he would choose this option but he wanted the choice. Eventually, he seized it.  His family is loving and supportive."  (Author: newscentermaine.com, Published Dec. 3, 2020)

Nichole Miliano's Story

"My Dad, Michael Cecil, passed in September 2019.  In May he was in the hospital and we found out he had cancer in several parts of his body.  At that time he decided to stop all treatments and bring in Hospice.  We all lived life to the fullest from May until about the end of July.  Then Dad's bad days started to outweigh his good. 

If Death with Dignity was an option in Florida, we all would have wanted it for him, especially him.  My Dad didn't want his last days spent in a diaper in bed.  He didn't want to look at us and not be able to speak.  He didn't want us sitting there, day after day just waiting for him to pass.  We promised to all be there, by his side, so at the end, that's where we were. 

Being able to give this man, this man who gave his all to his family, the option to go on his terms, is really the least he deserved.  I will fight today, and everyday to allow people the choice. All in the name of my best friend taken too soon, my Dad, my mentor, Michael Cecil.

Written by a loving daughter who promised to fight the fight for the voiceless."

Nichole Miliano
Share your story -- Here's how...
The power of a personal story goes well beyond simply relaying facts and data. It adds color, depth and credibility, and helps people connect with the message in a deeper, more meaningful way.
If you are a supporter of Medical Aid in Dying, then it's likely that you have experienced an event in your life that prompted your support.  If so, we would love to hear about your experience.  If you have questions or a story idea, visit Share your Story and let's get started. 

Education Corner

Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) laws include several safeguards to protect patients. To qualify, patients must meet stringent eligibility requirements:

1. The patient must be an adult (18 or older).

2. The patient must be a full-time resident of Florida.

3. The patient must be informed by their attending physician of their diagnosis, their 6-month maximum prognosis, the nature of the MAiD medications to be prescribed, and their other (traditional, non-MAiD) alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care and traditional pain medications.

4. Two licensed physicians must confirm the following:
  • The patient has a terminal diagnosis with a six-month maximum prognosis.
  • The patient is able to take (self-administer and ingest) the medication themselves, without assistance, which assures this is a voluntary act.
  • The patient must be mentally competent.  If either physician determines the patient may be suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment, they must refer the patient for evaluation by a state licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to determine their mental competency, and
  • The physicians must meet strict reporting requirements for each request.  Anyone who falsifies a request, destroys a rescission of a request, or who coerces or exerts undue influence on a patient to request medication under the law commits a Class 2 felony.
5. The patient must make two separate requests for MAiD medication, oral and written.

6. Only the patient can make the oral and written requests for medication, and the requests must be made in person.  It is not sufficient to stipulate the request in an advance directive, living will, or any other end-of-life care document.

7. There is a minimum 15-day waiting period between the patient's request for the MAiD medication and access to the filled prescription.

8. The written request for MAiD medication must be witnessed by at least two people, who, in the presence of the patient, attest that to the best of their knowledge and belief the patient is capable, acting voluntarily, and is not being coerced to sign the request.  One of the witnesses cannot be a relative of the patient by blood, marriage or adoption, or anyone who would be entitled to any portion of the patent's estate.

9. The patient may rescind their request for the medicaiton at any time.

10. After the prescription for the MAiD medication has been filled, the patient is not required to use it. Up to 30% of patients who fill their MAiD prescriptions do not use them.

11. All medical professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists) involved in the patient's access to MAiD medication have the right not to participate, or to rescind their participation at any time.

Call To Action – We need YOU!

As a rapidly growing grassroots movement we have many needs! This translates into opportunities for volunteers who have the time, motivation and skills to support our growth. Even 15 minutes per week will help! If you want to help, but aren't sure you have the background, don't worry: we will provide you with the training and the tools to increase your confidence and effectiveness.

We are looking for volunteers to help:
  • Identify organizations/groups that are interested in having us provide an online or in person presentation or tabling events about our mission.  We have identified the types of groups that are typically receptive to medical aid in dying; we need you to contact them via email / online web contact forms using scripts and templates we have developed. The goal is to get as many groups scheduled as possible, so we can further educate the public, and increase our membership. 
  • Promote our presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others. 
  • Are you a natural leader? We have several available leadership positions.  Contact us at volunteer.fldwd@gmail.com to get started.

Upcoming Event

Death with Dignity Presentation - Free and open to the public.

Tony Ray will provide information about:
    - the definition of Medical Aid in Dying,
    - requirements for terminally ill patients to be eligible to use this option,
    - the need for Medical Aid in Dying law for Florida.

Where: Heartwood Preserve, 4100 Starkey Blvd, #2175, New Port Richey,              FL 34655

When: Sunday, Dec 12, 2021 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Contact Diana Brooks, diana@heartwoodpreserve.com, to register.


Website www.heartwoodpreserve.com

Help us Build our Newsletter Reach!

Here's what you can do: Call two of your friends or relatives who live in Florida, and whom you believe are in favor of MAiD. Ask them if you can subscribe them to our quarterly newsletter. If they agree, click this link and fill in their name, email address and zip code.

I am always available to answer questions, and provide guest speakers for your group(s). You may contact me at tr.fldwd@gmail.com.



Sincerely,
Tony Ray

 
Copyright © 2021 FL Death with Dignity, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp