Advance Care Planning Task Force to Host Special Events as part of National Healthcare Decisions Day

 The Mesa County Advance Care Planning Task Force will host a half day seminar focused on creating a plan for your future healthcare decisions in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on Thursday, April 26 from 8:00 a.m. – Noon at St. Mary’s Hospital. “Who’s Got Your Back? Learn Who Will Make Healthcare Decisions for You When You No Longer Can,” includes a panel discussion and practical advice about advance directives.

This session will include information on communicating end-of-life wishes to loved ones, an interactive presentation by Dr. Laura Campbell concerning how to speak to your doctor about medical directives, a panel discussion on Colorado burial options and information regarding advance care planning tools. Advance directives can also be completed at the seminar.

Various organizations are partnering with the Mesa County Advance Care Planning Task Force to host Before I Die walls around the Grand Valley throughout the month of April. The Before I Die wall project is a global participatory public art event that allows individuals to express their hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future.

“Individuals can take simple steps to prepare for their future healthcare needs,” said Mary Watson, HopeWest Community Project Coordinator and co-chair of the Advance Care Planning Task Force. “Our seminar on April 26 will provide the public with easy tools in a fun and interactive environment,” added Watson.

Those interested in attending can learn more through Western Colorado 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 from a landline or 970-244-8400 from a cell phone. Limited seating is available and registration is required for the seminar on April 26. There is a nominal registration fee of $5, which includes refreshments and advance directive tools.

“Preparing now, before a person becomes ill, is the best way to communicate to family and friends what your healthcare wishes are,” said Erica Eng, Community Hospital Director of Patient Experience and Advance Care Planning Task Force member.

To schedule an interview the day of the event, please contact Erica Eng at (970) 216-4913.

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April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a national grassroots initiative to encourage individuals to express their healthcare wishes through conversations and the completion of advance directives. More information can be found at www.nationalhealtharedecisionsday.org.