Bellin, Unity to Present Advance Care Planning Events

Film and panel, community booths designed to educate, empower

Bellin Health and Unity Hospice are teaming up to present two free public events in celebration of National Healthcare Decisions Day.

Observed this year on April 16, NHDD exists to educate the public and healthcare providers about the importance of advance care planning. It encourages people to both discuss their wishes regarding medical care with their families, and to fill out an advance directive to formalize these wishes and state them legally. Local events celebrating NHDD will take place on April 14 and 16. 

“Making these wishes known can answer a lot of questions — and prevent a lot of heartache — in the event of a serious medical issue or when planning for end-of-life care,” said Dr. Amy James, a palliative care specialist with Bellin Health. “These may not be easy conversations to initiate, but many people feel a sense of empowerment once they do.”

The public is invited to the following free events:

Tuesday, April 14

“Consider the Conversation” film screening, expert panel discussion (RSVP required)

5-7:30 p.m.

Bellin Hospital — Kresge Center (third floor), 744 S. Webster Ave.

Light dinner provided. RSVP required by April 10. Call (920) 445-7373.

Thursday, April 16

National Healthcare Decisions Day Community Booths (walk-in only)

Advance care plan facilitators will be at the following locations to answer questions and provide resources and assistance in completing an advance care plan:

• Bellin Health and Fitness Center — Ashwaubenon
1630 Commanche Ave. — 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Bellin Health and Fitness Center — Bellevue
3263 Eaton Road — 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Brown County Aging and Disability Resource Center
300 S. Adams St., Green Bay — 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Bay Park Square Mall
303 Bay Park Square, Ashwaubenon — 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 • Bellin Hospital Lobby
744 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay — 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Community booths are walk-in only. If, however, you would like to make an appointment to complete your advance directive, please call (920) 445-7373.

“We sincerely hope that members of the public will take time to get educated and get empowered by attending these free events,” said Unity Medical Director Dr. Patricia Neuman. “Your decisions matter — and you have the power to make your wishes known.”

For more information, visit http://unityhospice.org and www.nhdd.org.