Third annual National Healthcare Decisions Day set for Friday at Haven Hospice

1273320030 93 Third annual National Healthcare Decisions Day set for Friday at Haven Hospice

Haven Hospice, joined by national, state and community organizations, will lead the local effort to highlight the importance of advance health care planning by recognizing Friday as the third annual National Healthcare Decisions Day.

In recognition of the special day, an open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Augustine office, 200 Southpark Blvd., Suite 207. The public is invited.

Haven Hospice staffers will give out Five Wishes paperwork, as well as hand out information on Haven Hospice’s services.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is a nationwide initiative to encourage individuals to make health-care choices known to family, friends and health-care providers in case they are unable to speak for themselves. Haven Hospice will promote community awareness of the campaign throughout its 18-county service area through partnerships with local banks and libraries.

“An advance directive is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones,” said Haven Hospice President Tim Bowen. “When you think you don’t need an advance directive is when you need it most. Haven Hospice is a proud supporter of National Healthcare Decisions Day and continues endorsing advance directives in all the communities we serve.”

As part of the campaign, Haven Hospice offers a free advance directive booklet called Five Wishes, a living will that gives patients an opportunity to say how they want to be treated if they are unable to speak for themselves. It enables individuals to specify wishes in detail as well as designate a health-care surrogate to make health-care decisions for them with respect for personal, emotional and spiritual values.

Click on the Five Wishes link on the upper right hand corner of www.havenhospice.org