Our Mission Statement
To promote ethical and appropriate health care for all Nevadans through education, research, and outreach.
Why do we need a Center for Ethics and Health Policy?
• Nevada has one of the highest populations without health care insurance.
• In 1987, the Nevada State Legislature created a health care ethics and policy center to serve the state.
• The Center collaborates with over 150 partners statewide to provide a system for implementing improved end-of-life care. It is also addresses other healthcare ethics and policy concerns.
• The Center is dedicated to continue its work with the University of Nevada School of Medicine, the Orvis School of Nursing, and the Nevada Cooperative Extension Service. The Center will also develop additional working and support relationships with other portions of the University and Community College System, health care organizations, long-term care facilities, and hospices throughout the state.
• Your help assists us in our efforts to improve health care policies in the State of Nevada. We also continue to seek grants to promote the Center's commitment to healthcare issues.
How does the Center help the state?
• Nevadans benefit from the Center's actions to reduce unnecessary and ineffective medical treatments because of its emphasis upon quality healthcare. As an example, 28% of all Medicare costs are generated the last year of life. Nearly 50% are expended during the last two months of life.
• A recent general public survey conducted by the Sanford Center for Aging, University of Nevada, Reno, indicates that some 66% of Nevadans either do not have, or do not know about Advance Directives, a measure adopted by the Legislature in 1977.
• During the past three years, the Center has participated in over 38 conferences, delivered 329 presentations statewide addressing end-of-life issues, and has had coverage from over 140 mass media outlets (TV, radio and print).
• The Center has made presentations to national groups, including the National Association of Attorneys General, American College of Health Care Administrators and the United States Coalition on Aging, Inc.
• The Center provides ethical consultations to individuals, health care organizations, and offers assistance to legislators and state agencies.
What is unique about the Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy?
• The Center is the only entity in Nevada that collaborates with more than 80 organizations and agencies throughout the state to heighten awareness of end-of-life issues and provide resources that lead to improved care and understanding of those facing end-of-life decisions.
• In the future, the Center plans to: 1) examine ethical and health policy issues including allocation of healthcare resources; 2) emphasize health and applied research initiatives; 3) expand a statewide system that links government agencies, corporate and private groups, and institutions of higher education; and, 4) continue outreach to rural communities.