A series of community-organized events titled “Be Prepared for the Unexpected” will be held at the Blaine United Church of Christ in the month of May. The events hone in on advance directives, which are legal documents that give instructions for care and medication in the event that a patient is not able to make decisions at a later date.
Organizer Mary Libby said she was inspired by a similar series in Bellingham. Knowing the distance might be too much for Blaine residents, she decided to hold a similar option in Blaine.
“We just wanted to be able to offer something of importance to the community,” Libby said.
At the first session on May 6 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Marie Eaton of the Palliative Care Institute at Western Washington University will speak on choices and the result of not planning ahead. The goal of the institute is to normalize conversations about the end of life by transforming the practice of palliative care in Whatcom County.
On May 13 at 6:30 p.m., Whatcom hospice and home health nurse Rebecca Rech Cutler will discuss the realities of advance medical interventions, specifically by bringing some pieces of equipment to show audience members what will happen without an advance directive.
Peace Health Advance Planning Program coordinator Hilary Walker will lead a workshop on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. to help participants complete an advance directive. Anyone 18 or older may participate and free notary services are available for participants upon completion.
“They may think they already have it, but it’s a good thing to check and make sure that it’s in place and up to date,” Libby said.
All sessions are held at the church’s fellowship hall. Light refreshments and cookies will be provided.
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