July Update

Passing of Bonnie Edelstein 

It is with sadness that we share that our dear friend and colleague, Bonnie Edelstein, passed away a few weeks ago. A fervent advocate for the legalization of medical aid in dying in New York, she was the founder and Director of Death with Dignity-Albany. We had the privilege of consulting and collaborating with Bonnie throughout the years, and we co-hosted several events, the last one on June 3, which focused on receiving the care you want at the end of life. Only a few weeks later, Bonnie passed away under the care of hospice. Bonnie was a pleasure to know and to work with, and she will be missed.

Survey of Black New Yorkers

End of Life Choices New York and CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy are conducting research to understand the end of life needs, views, and and experiences of Black New Yorkers who served as a caregiver for a loved one at the end of their life. The findings will be used to inform future programs, policies, and resources to better support caregivers and their loved ones during these times.

Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey. The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, and participants are asked about their experience being a caregiver, their loved one’s medical care at the end of life, and their thoughts on end-of-life topics. You may be eligible if you are Black, live in New York, are between the ages of 25-65, and were a caregiver to a loved one that passed/transitioned within the last 15 years. To participate, please visit endoflifechoicesny.org/survey. Please share with your networks.

Annual Report

Here’s a link to the End of Life Choices New York 2020 Annual Report. Thank you for your continued support of our mission. The report highlights some of our accomplishments in providing education, support, and advocacy to New Yorkers. The financial statements reflect a change in net assets representing a loss, but this is due to the spend down of a multi-year grant from the Open Society Foundations. EOLCNY maintains ample reserves to cover such a scenario. Many nonprofits faced challenges in the past year and EOLCNY was no exception, but we were gratified by the increased support from many individuals and grant makers in the beginning of the new fiscal year. We look forward to reporting on the progress of our programs as we expand our reach with new programs and services during 2021.