Gayathri Vipra Vrnda (GKVV), in collaboration with Indian Circle for Caring USA (ICC), conducted a webinar on June 24, 2020 on the topic of Healthcare Proxy & Living Will. The main goal of this session was to inform and educate the participants and the Indian community in general about one of the most important aspects of the health care system.

Girish Mehta, the founder and Executive Director of ICC presented background information about health care proxies including the necessity for this document, the impact of not having one, and providing compelling reasons to complete it. Many members who had registered for this session completed their documents by the end of the session.

Alarmingly, 85% of people either do not know about “Healthcare Proxy & Living Will” or its need and importance. Many people believe it is okay to address this issue later. You can find additional information regarding health care proxy on the ICC website.

This is a free service offered by ICC. Community members can avail of this service and help themselves by expressing what matters to them most. With the understanding of its need and importance, ICC has been helping the community prepare their “Healthcare Proxy and Living Will”.

ICC has selected the most widely used, comprehensive document called Five Wishes, published by Aging with Dignity, to meet the needs of the community members. It is used by over 30 million people,  accepted in 42 states, and useful in all 50 states. In addition to meeting legal requirements, it provides an opportunity to express “what matters to me most” and allows including preferences based on our culture and values. Although thorough, it is in simple, understandable language.

Mr. Anil Saigal, community leader and past President of IAGB shared his personal experiences regarding healthcare proxy when he had to go through a health scare and the lack of access to his healthcare proxy documents. Mr. Arun Saigal, the son of Mr. Anil Saigal, spoke passionately about the legal quandary the family went through when dealing with his father’s health crisis and the legal complications in such circumstances. Their personal anecdotes highlighted the need for everyone in the community to have a healthcare proxy documents prepared and available when needed.

GKVV is a non-profit association that has been serving the community for more than nine years. GKVV promotes traditional Indian values and donates to various causes. Recently, one of the beneficiaries of GKVV, a student who needed help to pay her tuition fees in Mysore, India topped her classes and the family thanked GKVV for their generous donations. GKVV is guided by a seven-member executive committee. Currently, Praveena Naduthota, who had been in leadership positions within India Association of Greater Boston, New England Kannada Koota, and Karnatic Hindustani Music Circle, is the president. GKVV has dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to serve the community. GKVV can be contacted at gkvvboston@gmail.com and ICC can be reached at info@ouricc.org.

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