​In 2016 when Act 39 was attacked by a lawsuit brought by the Christian Medical and Dental Society, Patient Choices Vermont was here to defend your rights. Today, amid the turmoil and disruption in the national and world news, and yes, the outright attacks on medical aid in dying and other rights of bodily autonomy, PCV is here boldly standing for the right to retain a measure of control toward the end of life. 

This is the choice we have established; this is the choice we defend; this is the choice we work to enable and streamline. For me. For you. For your family and loved ones. For now. Forever.
 
Needless to say, I consider it a huge honor to be serving as PCV’s Executive Director. It is doubly rewarding because a core part of this job is to enhance and defend rights to bodily autonomy and personal decision-making toward the end of life, both of which are fundamental freedoms that I treasure.

Patient Choices Vermont is the only organization in Vermont focused on supporting and enhancing end-of-life autonomy and choice. Your contribution is your best chance at ensuring that right endures.
 
At the top of our agenda this year is to take a close look at how Act 39 is working for both individuals and medical providers and developing a plan for improvements. PCV’s Policy Team taps the expertise of board members, advisory board members and our medical team as we carefully consider updating the law.  
 
This year, we are solidifying and building our teams of volunteers as well as our relationships with collaborating organizations so that our networks are strong and resilient. I deeply appreciate the many generous and effective volunteers who, like me, have been attracted to this team and who do so much to enhance our operations. 

Our Volunteer Medical Team will provide training to a wide range of medical and hospice professionals. Our Helpline Team, which includes individuals with a combination of nursing and hospice background, provides personal guidance to more than 1,000 people each year. Our Outreach Team, which includes our Program Manager and me, our media specialist, and many volunteers in the field will connect with groups at community centers, libraries and churches.  The Wayfinders Network, launched by PCV last year, walks hand in hand with those navigating end-of-life choices offering personal assistance to the seriously ill and their loved ones.
 
You, too, are part of this community, expressing your dedication to end-of-life choice through the conversations you have with friends and by keeping up to date and informed via our newsletter and through the videos and wealth of information on our website. And, of course, your donations help PCV support the thousands of individuals who are facing very personal decisions as well as the medical and hospice professionals that serve them.

“The work you are doing is spectacular, and so vital. My wife is struggling with progressive supranuclear palsy. We are researching humane end of life options and found your site, by far, the most informative and helpful.”  ~~ From one of our 23,000 website users.  

​With your donation, you will have an important local impact while also influencing end-of-life policies across the country.  You will be helping to ensure a deeply personal right of bodily autonomy and self-determination.  

What a gift this organization is to people who are seeking trusted information about end-of-life options.  Every one of us will enter that time when we will want to consider these choices.  Together, let’s make sure that everyone has access to accurate and complete information and the freedom to exercise personal autonomy, whether we choose medical aid in dying or not.  

With appreciation,
​Amy Bruce
Executive Director

Springtime is slowly creeping into our Vermont landscape with the sun’s rays feeling stronger every day. It’s such a dynamic time of year which brings to mind the old adage, "The only constant in life is change."