MDH to Host Program on Advance Directives

McDonoughDistrict Hospitalwill host an educational program entitled, “Recording Your Wishes: Healthcare Decision Making 101” on Wednesday, April 14 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. The program will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, located at 2500 East Jackson Street in Macomb.

Advance Directives, including a living will and health care power of attorney, are like a road map that you create for your loved ones to follow and keeps you in charge when it comes to decisions about medical treatment—even when you’re no longer capable of making those decisions. By making your wishes known, you can help your loved ones feel more comfortable with your chosen course of care.

Anthony Ashenhurst, an attorney with Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller, LLC, Peoria, will be one of the featured speakers for the evening. “We all have the right to make important health care decisions but it is essential to put your desires in writing to assure that decisions are made in accordance with your wishes,” Ashenhurst commented.

Ashenhurst will discuss the following:

• The difference between a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney
• The legal consequences of not having advance directives
• How to organize important documents so they are available when needed

George Roodhouse, DO, an emergency room physician at McDonough District Hospital, and medical director for the MDH Hospice, will also address the audience. “I have seen firsthand the pain families suffer when patients do not leave health care instructions. It’s important to take steps to record your wishes and understand the difference between a living will, a power of attorney, and a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order,” Roodhouse stated.

Dr. Roodhouse will explain the following:

• Advance Directives from a medical perspective
• The definition of a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order
• The process at MDH for using Advance Directives

Every person age 18 and older should have an advance directive, not just the elderly or those with a chronic or terminal condition. Accidents and sudden illness can afflict people of any age at any time, rendering them unable to make health care decisions for themselves.

This program is free of charge and the community is encouraged to attend to learn more about recording their wishes using advance directives. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact MDH Advocacy Services at (309)833-4101, ext. 13353.

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