Note From the CMPO 

Compassion & Choices Chief Marketing and Program Officer Tom Quash offers his thoughts for August.

Aug 23, 2019

It’s August, and it’s National Back to School Month. While kids of all ages are getting back to their classrooms, we’re keeping watch on what’s occurring in the courtrooms, with medical aid in dying laws ... 

Earlier this month, in response to a lawsuit filed by a physician, a New Jersey judge granted a temporary restraining order that prevented state physicians from writing prescriptions for medications in accordance with the New Jersey law. We’re monitoring very closely and remain vigorous in our defense, allowing New Jerseyans access to this option.

On the other side of the country, Hanna Olivas, diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer, has decided to move from her home in Las Vegas to California to access that state’s medical aid-in-dying law. By leveraging English- and Spanish-language resources, Hanna’s story can now be shared with a wider audience, informing them of her end-of-life treatment, challenges and opportunities.

Beyond our legislative efforts, we stay connected to the healthcare community and the public through a host of in-person and online activities. Next month, we are honored to serve as a collaborative partner with the City of Hope, the nationally recognized prestigious cancer center, to present the End of Life Symposium at their California facility. Intended to inform healthcare professionals of end-of-life care care, the symposium features key medical experts, panel discussions and presentations from C&C staff including CEO Kim Callinan and President Barbara Coombs Lee.

School session may have just started, but our educational efforts remain ongoing.

Regards,

Tom Quash

Chief Marketing and Program Officer