HELEN LONG
Helen Long has a long track record of informed engagement and empowering leadership in the not-for-profit, health and wellness sector, with a strong focus on advocacy, public and media relations, and organizational excellence.
Since joining Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) in March 2020, Helen has guided the organization through a transformational period in end-of-life rights – engaging staff, Board Members, volunteers, and stakeholders through the passage of Bill C-7: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying).
Prior to her tenure as CEO of DWDC, Helen served as President of the Canadian Health Food Association, and volunteer with the ALS Society of Canada. She has a keen interest in medical assistance in dying legislation, and the significant challenges facing many Canadians who are looking to access their end-of-life rights.
MAID Program: What Funeral Directors Need to Know
The sessions will cover many topics related to Medical Assistance in Death including;
- Acknowledgement of conscientious objection and the varied places people may be in their relationship with MAID.
- Acknowledgement that clients of funeral services will also have their own views on MAID so speaking to one another in a way that is supportive and respectful is important.
- An overview of MAID legislation in Canada – how we got here, where are we currently and what’s next.
- Provincial differences in implementation
- Federal MAID statistics – numbers, growth, why do people have MAID etc..
- A look at MAID in funeral homes (as well as a highlight of other locations) – what is required from the home? What does a MAID death “look” like?
- How the skills of funeral home staff are very valuable in supporting patients and families – the alignment of our patient’s first and end of life goals conversations with the conversations had by funeral home staff.
