Note From the CEO, May 2019

In parts of the country, the state legislative sessions are starting to cool off and the weather is beginning to warm. But if you were to check the temperature on our collective work and the momentum of the movement, they’re heating up!

May 24, 2019

This month, we are getting in front of more lawmakers; increasing our footprint in new communities; enhancing our connections with donors, supporters and volunteers; and developing new end-of-life care planning resources.

More than 120 supporters from across New York state participated in Compassion & Choices Spring Lobby Day in Albany on May 14. We made great progress that day, but there’s still considerable work ahead in the Empire State.  

The foundation of our work has always been, and continues to be, our volunteers. In this edition, you’ll learn of executive volunteer Dr. Evan Pulvers, who pioneered a medical-aid-in-dying program for licensed residents in California, the first of its kind in the country. Today, Dr. Pulvers partners with Compassion & Choices to adapt her program as a protocol for other training programs.

And you’ll read about our “Good Samaritan” honor at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, California. The church also hosted Compassion & Choices President Barbara Coombs Lee for a discussion featuring the principles from her book Finish Strong: Putting Your Priorities First at Life’s End.

Of course, this is just a snapshot of what has happened in the last 30 days and I encourage you to consider this opportunity as a two-way communication. Ask your questions. Share your stories. Tell me more.

With gratitude,

Kim Callinan, CEO