Learning about the importance of advance directives and making your wishes known is the focus on National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). Join other community members to learn about this important topic.

The Mesa County Advance Care Planning Task Force, 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 exists to inspire, educate and empower community members and healthcare providers to learn about the importance of advance care planning.

The following educational opportunities are available and open to all members of the community:

Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject
Documentary screening and expert panel discussion
Monday, April 11
6:00pm-7:30pm
Mesa County Central Library

This documentary examines perspectives on end-of-life care and includes helpful information and life experiences. This event is open to the community and free to attend.

Holistic Decision Making: Creating a Good Ending to Life
Interactive presentation
Wednesday, April 13
6:30pm-7:30pm
Saccomanno Education Center at St. Mary’s Hospital

Meet Dr. David Kopacz, author of Re-Humanizing Medicine and learn more about his philosophy of self-care and approach to making holistic healthcare decisions. The event is open to the community and free to attend. Please register to attend the event at www.HopeWestCO.org.

Creating a Good Ending: Your Decisions Matters
Interactive presentation and advance care planning workshop
Thursday, April 14
8:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-3:30pm
Saccomanno Education Center at St. Mary’s Hospital

Attend the conference to learn more about advance care planning from Dr. David Kopacz and to participate in the advance care planning workshop. These presentations are open to the community and are offered for the low cost of just $10. Register through Western Colorado 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 or 970-244-8400. Limited seating is available. Refreshments will be provided.

Attend the conference to learn more about advance care planning from Dr. David Kopacz and to participate in the advance care planning workshop. These presentations are open to the community and are offered for the low cost of just $10. Register through Western Colorado 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 or 970-244-8400. Limited seating is available. Refreshments will be provided.

“As a result of the awareness NHDD brings to advance care planning, more people in our community will have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions and a valuable tool on how to start having the conversation,” said Mary Watson, Community Project Coordinator at HopeWest and committee chair of the Mesa County Advance Care Planning Task Force.

Community members are welcome to attend the events to learn more about advance directives and learn how to make their wishes known. For more information about NHDD or the Advance Care Planning Task Force, please contact Mary Watson at (970)683-4927.