Mina McGinnis understands that it is never a favorite topic among families but she also realizes that it is one that must be discussed at some point.
As chairwoman of the Mission in Action Committee at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center, McGinnis wants to help families find the tools to get the conversation started.
St. Rose encourages the public to pick up free information from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 16 in the main lobby in conjunction with National Healthcare Decisions Day. This information includes forms for health care power of attorney and a living will.
“Our committee’s goal is to help people have thoughtful conversations about their health-care decisions,” McGinnis said. “We want to share the information and necessary forms with anyone interested.
“When families are equipped with these resources, they can alleviate the struggles of making difficult health-care decisions when their loved ones can’t,” she continued. “In addition, doctors and health-care facilities will be better able to honor patients’ wishes.”
The forms also are available at www.stroseasc.org by clicking on the power-of-attorney and living will icon.
The Mission in Action Committee recently has been revitalized and the April 16 offering is just one of its activities, McGinnis noted. For example, the committee also organizes events to recognize employees.
“Each month, we honor an employee who emulates St. Rose’s core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence,” McGinnis explained, noting there are many nominees. “These gatherings and other special luncheons always have a theme and we are getting very positive feedback.
“These valued employees are the backbone of St. Rose,” McGinnis added. “It is important to recognize their commitment to patients, families and the community. Whether we are offering health-care decisions materials to the public or honoring employees, our committee’s goal is the same – to spread the word about our mission throughout the area.”