Group Focuses on Long-Term Health Planning

ST. CLOUD -- You may not spend too much time thinking about end-of-life plans, but one organization is encouraging people in Central Minnesota to do just that.

To celebrate National Health Care Decisions Day, Light The Legacy held an informational meeting to help people plan for the future.The event took place at the Great River Regional Library, Tuesday.

Project coordinator, Lynn Mackenzie says planning early can help take stress off of families in difficult times.

The group is looking to reach anyone 18 years or older. Mackenzie says it's common for people to put off end-of-life planning - especially younger individuals.

Advanced Care Directives can provide instruction for such things as preferable treatments or end-of-life wishes. There are no costs to create such plans, and no lawyers are needed.

Light The Legacy is already working with area health care facilities such as Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany and the Coborn's Cancer Center.

The initiative was created by community physicians, nurses and chaplains in 2009.