Making decisions about your future healthcare the focus of April’s Medical Monday, Thriving Thursday

March 27, 2023 -- In honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, Medical Monday and Thriving Thursday will focus on advance care planning next month.

"Healthy Decisions Now, Peace of Mind Later" will be presented by Reid Health PACE Center's David DeSantis, MD, and Melissa Gallagher, NP, along with Kristin Kriz, LPN, of Reid Hospice and Shannon Fanning, Reid Health's Director of Post-Acute and Community Services.

National Healthcare Decisions Day aims to bring awareness of advance care planning, encouraging everyone -- regardless of age -- to begin thinking about and preparing for future decisions about their medical care.

Medical Monday will begin at 1 p.m. on April 10 at a new location, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County's First Bank Unit at 855 N. 12^th St. in Richmond. The move from Medical Monday's usual site, Central United Methodist Church, was necessary because of the Easter holiday. The event will return to the church in May.

Thriving Thursday will take place at 11:30 a.m. on April 13 at its usual location, the Fayette County Senior Center at 477 N. Grand Ave. in Connersville.

Both events are free to attend. To register, call Sharrie Harlin Davis at (765) 983-3000, ext. 4676. Depending on community levels and transmission levels from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the time of the events, masks may be required.

Medical Monday and Thriving Thursday are supported by Reid Health Community Benefit. Harlin Davis started Medical Monday when she was working for the Minority Health Coalition and maintained it after joining Reid Health. The events have loyal followings, averaging 40 to 50 guests each month to learn about various health issues, community programs, and health screenings.