Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying

A Public Health Perspective

Barak Wolff, MPH, is a mostly retired, long-time public health leader in NM working in Rural Primary Care, EMS, and Trauma Systems, and as the Director of the Public Health Division in the NM Department of Health. Barak has served as an analyst for the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee for the last 17 years when they are in session. For the last 9 years, Barak has been deeply involved with end-of-life issues and is on the founding Board of Directors for the newly created non-profit, End of Life Options New Mexico. Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying is presented by Arizona End of Life Options, hosted by Dwight Moore, PhD, and produced by Marie MacWhyte. Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on our progress in legalizing Medical Aid in Dying in Arizona. www.azendoflifeoptions.org [http://www.azendoflifeoptions.org/]

A Jewish Perspective

Rabbi Greg Wolfe, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, was educated at UC Berkeley and received his ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1989. He is currently the rabbi emeritus of Congregation Bet Haverim in Davis, CA where he served as the spiritual leader for the last 27 years. Rabbi Wolfe resides in Davis, CA with his wife, Julie Hochman, and their pup, Oliver. Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying is presented by Arizona End of Life Options, hosted by Dwight Moore, PhD, and produced by Marie MacWhyte. We would love to hear what you think! Email your comments and ideas to m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org [m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org].

A Legislative Perspective

Deborah Armstrong served in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2015-2022 and was the sponsor of New Mexico’s End-of-Life Options Act which was signed into law in 2021. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for End of Life Options New Mexico, which is focused on the implementation of the Act. She has extensive experience of healthcare-related experience, including home health, hospice, and long-term care. On a personal note, Ms. Armstrong has an adult daughter with advanced Stage IV cancer who has been a strong advocate for Medical Aid in Dying. Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying is presented by Arizona End of Life Options, hosted by Dwight Moore, PhD, and produced by Marie MacWhyte. We would love to hear what you think! Email your comments and ideas to m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org [m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org].

A Patient Perspective

Erika Gergerich, a licensed clinical social worker who also holds a PhD in public policy, shares her professional experience of working with aging populations, then poignantly describes her personal story of coping with stage 4 breast cancer while working and raising two children in a state where medical aid in dying is not recognized. Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying is presented by Arizona End of Life Options, hosted by Dwight Moore, PhD, and produced by Marie MacWhyte. We would love to hear what you think! Email your comments and ideas to m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org [m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org].

A Physician Perspective

Dr. Evan Pulvers is a family practice physician based in Flagstaff, Arizona, committed to providing excellent care for her patients. She is an advocate for medical aid in dying, serving on the steering committee at Arizona End of Life Options, an all-volunteer, non-profit committed to passing Medical Aid in Dying legislation in Arizona. Dr. Pulvers is passionate about providing comprehensive care and support to her patients and their families. Current Perspectives of Medical Aid in Dying is presented by Arizona End of Life Options, hosted by Dwight Moore, PhD, and produced by Marie MacWhyte. We would love to hear what you think! Email your comments and ideas to m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org [m.macwhyte@azendoflifeoptions.org].