FirstHealth Hospice is recognizing National Healthcare Decisions Day on Friday, April 16 with a drive-thru event to help individuals prepare their advance directives, including living wills and health care powers of attorney.
Held at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care at 251 Campground Road, West End, the drive-thru will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 16. Ellen Willard, M.D., a palliative medicine provider with FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, said COVID-19 has created a unique opportunity to think about advance directives and patient values in health care.
“The pandemic has created a more urgent need for advance directives, especially those in certain age groups or with underlying health issues,” she said. “You want to be prepared in the event of any medical emergency, not just Covid-19, and to be able to discuss end-of-life care that aligns with your values.”
There is no cost to attend. Participants are expected to download and complete both documents listed on www.firsthealth.org/advancedirectives. Discuss your decisions with your loved ones, and bring the completed documents to the drive-thru to have them notarized. Forms will be provided on-site as needed.
If you have questions regarding your advance directives, the drive-thru or would like the documents emailed to you, please call (910) 715-6000.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
