Center Needs Funding: ; State's End-of-Life Care Legislation a National Example

Summary

---

As many people now know, West Virginia has one of the oldest populations in the country. The 2000 census noted that our population had the highest median age, 39.9 years, of all states, and was in the top five states with regard to the percentage of the population over age 65. Over 20,000 West Virginians die each year, most of them elderly. For many recent years including 2002, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics has been reporting that the number of deaths in West Virginia exceeds the number of births. As I have said too many times, "Almost Heaven" is not just another phrase to us.

Much attention and resources are appropriately directed to maternal health and reducing infant mortality rates. As a society, we feel compelled to protect the most vulnerable segments of our population. However, if we strive to ensure healthy pregnancies and deliveries, we similarly need to be sure that those who are dying receive quality care as well. Exit from this life should be as important as entrance.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Center Needs Funding: ; State's End-of-Life Care Legislation a National Example

Over the past three years, with funding from the Legislature, the West Virginia Center for End-Of-Life Care has been providing information, community outreach and education...

See the full content of this document

---