Health Care Directives presentation at River Falls Area Hospital

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On Friday, April 16, from noon-1 p.m. River Falls Area Hospital will present a free educational event on health care directives.

Participants will learn what healthcare directives are, understand why they are important to have, and learn the steps needed to complete the documentation. Appropriate forms will be provided.

“A health care directive gives an individual’s family direction on what kind of medical care the person wants or doesn’t want if they can't communicate,” explained Kathy Hogberg, MSW, who will share information at the event. “We encourage all people, even those not currently ill or having surgery, make sure their loves ones are aware of their wishes. A health care directive is a way to do that.”

The event at the hospital is part of National Healthcare Decisions Day, a nationwide initiative on April 16 to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare through conversations and the completion of advance directives.

For those who can’t make it on April 16, the event will be offered again on Monday, April 19 from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

“Our hope is that as a result of these sessions, many more people in our community will be having thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known” stated Jennifer O’Neill, a local attorney who specializes in estate planning and elder law and will be helping facilitate the sessions. “You could end up saving your family lots of anxiety. Completing these forms, helps ensure your wishes are known and helps your family and healthcare providers follow your wishes when the time comes to do so.”

The event is free but registration is requested. To register, call River Falls Area Hospital at 426-4545.

River Falls Area Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

More information about Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at www.allina.com.

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