This was the last email update from Ohio End of Life Options on 9/16/16.
In less than one month the outlook for Ohio is looking up.
Supporters have been galvanized by the news that Ohio Senator Charleta Tavares (D – Columbus) is planning to introduce death with dignity style legislation in 2017. I took a road trip to meet advocates in the Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton areas and spoke at the invitation of the Tri-State Freethinkers in Newport, KY on September 7. They are a wonderfully informed and action-oriented group of supporters. That trip was topped off by my first phone call with Senator Tavares. It was a short call but I was able to share with her how grateful I and many Ohioans are to her.
One of those supporters is Doris Yamarick of Circleville. She is passionate about medical aid-in-dying since her husband, Wally, died with ALS in 1999. She understands the importance of strong, moderate bi-partisan support for the legislation so she contacted her Representative, Gary Scherer (R – District 92), who plans to look further into this issue.
On Monday, September 12, I was honored to address the Cleveland Clinic Bioethics community as a part of their Grand Rounds lecture series (which earn continuing medical education units for those attending). In addition to the group attending, my lecture was broadcast live to their subsidiary hospitals. It was attended by Ethics Fellows and faculty, as well as representatives from Palliative Medicine, Hospice, End-of-Life Specialists and philosophers from throughout Northeast Ohio. Clearly there has been a lot of thought put into this important and sensitive issue. Thank you to Dr. Paul Ford for including this topic.
Stay involved!
* We are planning more educational events, so bring friends.
* Ask for a meeting with your legislator and invite a member of Ohio End of Life Options to speak. This was very effective when Judith Allen organized a meeting with her Representative Nickie Antonio (D – Lakewood) and interested residents of Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway area and I shared my 20 minute PowerPoint presentation and answered questions.
* Host a showing of the award-winning documentary: How to Die in Oregon. Available on Netflix or through local libraries.
* Approach local groups, such as Rotary Clubs, to organize speaking opportunities.
Thank you to Nancy and Tom Seitz who donated $500 following our last email blast! In addition to their donation, supporters contributed $600 to help continue our education and outreach activities. We thank you!
Consider sharing your thoughts about medical aid-in-dying. It’s important to show a community of support for this issue all throughout Ohio. You can post thoughts on our website OhioOptions.org and on Facebook: Ohio End of Life Options. You can also write a letter to the editor in your local paper.
Thank you again for your support.
Lisa Vigil Schattinger,
Founder and Executive Director