Essentia Health is encouraging people to consider advance care planning so people can be prepared in the case of a sudden illness that leaves an individual unable to speak for themselves.
Advanced care planning is especially important to consider during the COVID-19 pandemic, a news release from Essentia stated. To partake in advanced care planning, Essentia encourages people to name a health care agent and complete an advance directive.
Dr. Joe Bianco, a family practice physician at Essentia Health, said being proactive about medical decisions helps a patient's medical team understand and prepare for the patient's wishes.
“Entering into these conversations with our patients helps us to honor their choices.”
Essentia Health is offering free online classes over the video conferencing platform, Zoom for those interested in learning more about advance care planning and completing a directive.
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Anyone can register at essentiahealth.org/patients-visitors/advance-care-planning .
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