PCHPCA: Advance care planning opportunities to be held locally

Recognizing April 16 as National Health Care Decisions Day in Greencastle, Mayor Bill Dory signs a proclamation encouraging residents to think about advance care planning. Present for the proclamation are Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care representatives, including (seated from left) Director Elaine Peck; Dory; President Tammy Hunter; (back) board members Alice Greenburg, Angie Davis, Sue McCune and Matt Demmings; Vice President Charity Pankratz, board member Jenny Charles; and Community Education Committee Chairman Brand Selvia.

Courtesy photo

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA), along with other national, state and community organizations, is highlighting the importance of advance health care decision-making as it marks National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16.

As a participating organization, the PCHCPA provides information and tools for members of the public to discuss their wishes with loved ones and health care providers, as well as execute written advance directives (with health care representatives and living wills) in accordance with state laws. These resources are available at www.pchpca.org.

The organization notes that local opportunities to learn more about advance care planning will be available.

On April 15, the PCHPCA will welcome the public to learn more about advance care planning and forms at Putnam County Hospital. Visitors can stop in the lobby from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to receive a free My Advance Directives folder.

On April 23, the PCHPCA will partner with the Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center to host a free advance care planning clinic at the Putnam County Public Library from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Those interested may call Angie Davis at 765-301-7514 to register for an appointment with the certified ACP facilitator. Persons aged 60 and older and those with serious illnesses will receive a free Vital Medical Information File, and lunch will be provided for up to three persons registered.

The PCHPCA will also host a free monthly advance care planning lunch-and-learn series, taking place via Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month beginning May 11. The sessions will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Those interested must register by email at contact.us.@pchpca.org. For additional information, call 765-301-7614.

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association seeks to enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill, their loved ones and caregivers by educating the community about the benefits of hospice, palliative care and advance care planning.

For more information, contact Executive Director Elaine Peck at epeck@pchosp.org or visit www.pchpca.org.