ESSB 5179 – Protecting Access to MAID Passes!

We Did It! The State House of Representatives passed ESSB 5179, our bill to improve access to the Death with Dignity Act, with a vote of 53-43. With this vote, critical improvements to the law are on their way to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature.  These...

Dr. Leonard Cobb, co-founder of WA’s first Medic One, dies at 96

by Elise Takahama for The Seattle Times It’s difficult to pinpoint how Dr. Leonard Cobb came up with the idea to train firefighters in emergency medical care, but friends and family believe one particular afternoon more than 60 years ago played a role. Cobb and his...

Protecting Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying in Washington

Death with Dignity Act: Faced with terminal diagnosis, Washingtonians have a right to a full range of options for care at the end-of-life, including medical-aid-in-dying. Medical aid in dying allows terminally ill adults to get a prescription they can take to end...

Meet Deborah – A Volunteer Physician Spreading Hope Across the State

“Often, by the time a person is considering medical aid-in-dying, they can’t manage the process. It isn’t an instant process by design. There are numerous steps that take considerable effort and time. Too many medical providers and systems withhold information,...

Meet Carol – Supporting Clients Living in Spokane

“Carol was great; she was so understanding, helpful, and informative. She sat and talked with my mom and me about my mom’s wishes to not suffer and to be in control.” – Aunt B’s Daughter.     “What I enjoy most about working with...

Meet Kathleen, EOLWA’s 1st Responder

“If you ever call End of Life Washington about your or a loved one’s end-of-life choices, I hope Kathleen is the first person you reach. In the tenderest moments, Kathleen deftly balances depth of heart and presence, levity, and practical help with matters that...

A Rainbow of Hope

From 800 miles away, until the very end, Dan looked after his beloved Aunt B. Aunt B was a salt of the earth Spokane woman. She lived a good life with grit, spunk, and determination; her best friend was her horse of 18 years, Oakey Boy. Aunt B grew older with support...
The Role of Death Doulas in End-of-Life Care

The Role of Death Doulas in End-of-Life Care

by Aleah Weslyn, Volunteer Storyteller For centuries, death doulas were present across cultures; particularly found in African culture and among Black communities. Being a death doula was considered a spiritual calling that can be traced all the way back to the slave...

Meet our New Medical Director

Jessica Kaan, DO Dr. Jessica Kaan attended Creighton University for her undergraduate education and received her medical degree from Des Moines University. She completed her internship and residency at Providence Portland Medical Center. She then served three years in...
Providing a Place to Make your Crossing

Providing a Place to Make your Crossing

by Kris Shankar, Volunteer Storyteller (abridged version from the newsletter)   Eastern Washington State tends to be a socially conservative place where religion and traditions guide the outlook of many people. When Cindy Nover, Associate Professor of Social Work...