ELIZABETHTOWN — Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host a “Begin the Conversation” clinic about end-of-life and healthcare decisions on Thursday, April 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at LCFH’s Bladen County office, 116 W. Broad St. in Elizabethtown.

This session, which is free to adults 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions.

“At any time in your life, you may be unable to communicate your healthcare choices as a result of an injury or serious illness. Having a plan will make it easier for you, your doctor and your loved ones to ensure your wishes are honored,” said Jason Clamme, LCFH director of community outreach. “The first step in the advance care planning process is to learn what you can about it. This will not only increase your own personal knowledge about healthcare choices and importance of planning, it will encourage communication with loved ones, caregivers and healthcare professionals so all can share in that knowledge.”

“Begin the Conversation” clinics can help you think about your healthcare wishes and create a plan to ensure your wishes are known. Having a plan will make it easier for you, your doctor and your loved ones to ensure those wishes are honored, especially when you cannot speak for yourself. It’s a gift for those you love.

Advance directives, such as living wills and healthcare power of attorney forms, will be supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented.

For information, contact Clamme at 796-7943 or jason.clamme@lcfh.org.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice is a nonprofit agency that provides healthcare and comfort to people with advanced illnesses; support and counseling to families; and education in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties in North Carolina, and Horry County in South Carolina. For information, visit www.lcfh.org or facebook.com/lcfhospice.

“Begin the Conversation” is a public education program to encourage people to identify and communicate healthcare choices. For information, visit www.begintheconversation.org or facebook.com/begintheconversation.

Staff report