We’re thrilled to welcome you to the newly revamped and relaunched website dedicated to Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Advance Directives (AD) across Virginia—and beyond!
Whether you’re just beginning to explore what ACP means, you’re looking to update an existing advance directive, or you’re a professional supporting others through this important process, this site is built for you. With clear information, practical tools, and meaningful stories, this new online hub is here to make advance care planning easier, more accessible, and more person-centered than ever before.
Why We Relaunched
Advance care planning is about making your healthcare wishes known—before a crisis happens. It’s about reflecting on what matters most to you and sharing those values with the people you trust. Yet, we know the process can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even intimidating. That’s why we set out to create a centralized, easy-to-use, and welcoming online space where people across Virginia can find the information and support they need to take the next step—whatever that may be.
Thanks to generous support from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), we were able to reimagine this website as a true statewide resource. DBHDS has provided ongoing leadership, programmatic guidance, and grant funding to help launch and maintain this site—ensuring that high-quality ACP and AD services are available to all Virginians. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and vision.
What’s New and What’s Waiting for You
We’ve packed this site with tools and resources to help people understand, complete, and share their advance care plans. Here are just a few of the new features we’re excited to share:
🧠 ACP 101 – Clear, Simple Explanations
Start with the basics: What is advance care planning? How is it different from an advance directive? When should you start the conversation? We’ve made it easy to understand the core concepts, with literacy inclusive language designed for people of all backgrounds and health statuses.
🗂Resource Library for Hot Topics and Special Situations
Advance care planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve curated a growing resource library filled with practical guides, tools, and templates that address some of the most commonly asked questions and areas of interest, such as:
- ACP and dementia or cognitive impairment
- Supported decision-making and disability rights
- Planning with chronic illness or mental health conditions
- Military and veteran-specific resources
- Legal forms and Virginia-specific guidance
We’ll continue expanding this section to meet your needs and reflect emerging best practices across the field.
🎓 Statewide Training Opportunities
For healthcare professionals, social workers, community advocates, peer recovery specialists, doulas, and faith leaders, quality training is the foundation of effective ACP support. This site features regularly updated training listings—from in-person workshops to virtual sessions—offered by expert organizations across the Commonwealth. Whether you’re new to ACP facilitation or looking to deepen your skills, this site will help you stay informed and empowered.
🗣️ The ACP Voices Blog – Insights from the Field
One of the features we’re most excited about is our new blog, where we’ll feature diverse voices from across Virginia and the nation who are working to improve how people plan, communicate, and receive care. You’ll hear from:
- ACP professionals and trained facilitators
- Legal and medical experts
- Individuals and families with lived experience
- Advocates working at the intersection of equity, disability rights, and healthcare access
These posts will offer real-world insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that remind us all why ACP matters—and how we can each play a role.
🌎 Interactive Map of ACP Resources Across Virginia – Under Development & Coming Soon!
Looking for support close to home? Our interactive map helps you find trained ACP facilitators, organizations offering workshops, and helpful services in your area. Whether you’re in Northern Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, the Tidewater region, or anywhere in between, connection is just a click away.
Built for You—and Built to Grow
This site isn’t a static library—it’s a living, evolving resource. Over the coming months, we’ll be adding:
- New blog posts and spotlight stories
- Further resources
- Printable tools and videos
- Opportunities to share your own ACP journey
We also welcome feedback! If there’s a resource you’d love to see or a question you’ve always had about advance care planning, let us know. This site is designed with community in mind, and your voice matters.
A Final Word of Thanks
None of this would be possible without the dedicated support of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Their ongoing commitment to promoting ACP and AD education, access, and equity has helped make Virginia a leader in person-centered care planning. Their grant funding has enabled us to build and maintain this comprehensive hub, helping ensure that every Virginian—regardless of age, ability, background, or diagnosis—has the opportunity to plan ahead with clarity and confidence.
Let’s Get Started
Wherever you are in your advance care planning journey, we’re glad you’re here. Explore the site, connect with resources, and start the conversation today.
Together, we can make sure that everyone’s voice is heard—when it matters most.