Hospice of the Carolina Foothills (HoCF) and St. Luke’s Hospital, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision-making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD).

As participating organizations, HOCF and St. Luke’s are providing information and tools for the public, to talk about their wishes with family, friends and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives in accordance with both North Carolina and South Carolina state laws.

Specifically, on Friday, April 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Landrum Library, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills will hold a workshop focusing on advance directives. This is a no-cost event which is open to the public.

In partnership with St. Luke’s Hospital we will be sharing information on the following advance directives:  Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR), Declaration of a Desire for a Natural Death (Living Will), Health Care Power of Attorney, the MOST Form and POLST Form.

Blank copies of advance directives will be available and staff will be on hand to assist with the completion of the directives. Notaries public will be available to notarize documents.

For more information about National Healthcare Decisions Day, and the advance care directive workshop, please call Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in North Carolina at 828-894-7000 or in South Carolina at 864-457-9122 or St. Luke’s hospital at 828-894-2408.

– Submitted by Lauren Roy