History

The CARE Coalition was established in 2000, following the
Bill Moyers television special about better care for people at the end-of-life. Nearly one hundred professionals in many disciplines met to discuss issues raised by Bill Moyers.

Upon completion of the television series, the group of dedicated professionals decided it was of benefit to continue. The group formed the Chippewa Valley End-Of-Life Association (CVELA), continuing to meet monthly. Several areas of focus were identified: education of professionals, education of community, advance directives, and a “hot line” phone number for end-of-life area resources. The group developed community presentations and binders of information.

One of first major projects of the Coalition was to produce a video, CHOICES: Understanding Advance Directives and End-of-Life Issues, about Advance Directives. The video has been widely distributed and utilized by such providers as: county agencies, group homes, libraries, nursing homes, parish nurses, senior centers and both the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley Technical College nursing programs

Currently, the CARE Coalition is implementing an Inspiring Health Care Innovations Grant provided by Group Health and NIHP. Frequent presentations throughout the Chippewa Valley, webinars, and educational materials including the development of this website were funded through this generous grant.