In observance of National Healthcare Decisions Day, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, 430 E. Division Street, is hosting a free education opportunity to help participants complete a medical power of attorney from 2 to 3 pm on Wednesday, April 19 in the Health Resource Center, just off the hospital lobby.
National Healthcare Decisions Day, which is observed annually on April 16, is aimed at increasing the number of Americans who have completed an advance directive (“living will”), in which they name the person who will make medical decisions for them in the event they are seriously ill and can’t speak for themselves.
National Health Decisions Day was founded in 2008 by Nathan Kottkamp, a Virginia-based healthcare lawyer, to provide clear, concise, and consistent information on healthcare decision-making to both the public and providers/facilities, through the widespread availability and dissemination of simple, free, and uniform tools to guide the process.
Experts say only about 20-30% of Americans have completed an advance directive even though all people 18 years of age and older should have one.
“It’s understandable that people would put off discussing the topic of serious illness and death, but it’s essential to have this family conversation in advance,” according to Deb Toth, a medical social worker with SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac Advance Care Planning. “It’s a discussion that should take place in the living room, not in the hospital waiting room when it may be too late.”
Healthcare encompasses the maintenance or improvement of health through the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or cure of illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people. It is delivered by health professionals and allied health fields.
Across the country, healthcare facilities participate as flagship venues for public engagement. SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital also offers free sessions the second Wednesday of each month from 10 am – 2 pm. For an appointment, individuals can call 920-926-4704.
“Completing a Medical Power of Attorney document is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your wishes would be followed, and that the medical professionals are speaking directly to the person you have designated,” Toth says. “Planning ahead can provide you and your loved one’s peace of mind knowing that your wishes can be honored. Talk to your friends and family. Encourage them all to complete their Medial Power of Attorney. We can help at no cost.”
