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

In 2006, CARE Coalition implemented an Inspiring Health Care Innovations Grant provided by Group Health Cooperative and NIHP. Presentations, webinars and educational materials including this website were offered to the Chippewa Valley communities regarding the importance of completing the Power of Attorney for Health Care forms. We saw a 3% increase in completion of forms in people over age 55. While education to the community on advance directive and resources for EOL care will remain a focus, currently, the Coalition is focusing on end-of-life educational needs of unlicensed personnel in long-term care facilities in the Chippewa Valley.