National Healthcare Decisions Day Film Screening

In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day, the North Country Healthcare Ethics Committee, in partnership with Coös County Family Health Services, will host a special community event on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. at Androscoggin Valley Hospital. The evening will feature a free screening of two short films and a live panel discussion exploring the importance of advance care planning. The films include Advanced Directives (under 17 minutes), which highlights the value of having an advance directive on file—even for healthy young adults—and End Game (40 minutes), an Academy Award-nominated documentary that provides an intimate look at the decisions patients and families face at the end of life. While many associate advance directives with older adults or those facing illness, medical professionals emphasize that advance care documents should be completed starting at age 18. These documents can be updated throughout life and ensure a person’s healthcare preferences are known and respected. Following the screenings, a panel of healthcare professionals, a student, and a licensed social worker will engage in a candid discussion on end-of-life care, patient autonomy, and practical steps to begin the conversation about healthcare choices. The panel includes: • Jessica Foster, RN – Clinical Service Director and Interim President, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency • Michele Lovell, DNP, APRN, FNP-C – Palliative Care, Weeks Medical Center and NCH Patient Care Center, Colebrook • Dr. Keith Shute, MD – Primary Care/Family Medicine, Androscoggin Valley Hospital & Coös County Family Health • Dr. Glenn Adams, DO – Hospice Medical Director, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency • Cayla Benjamin, APRN – Family Medicine, Coös County Family Health • Bridget Laflamme, MSW – Licensed Social Worker, Coös County Family Health • Daven Duquette – Berlin High School Student and North Country Healthcare Intern The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend—whether they are just entering adulthood, navigating care for a loved one, or preparing for their own future healthcare decisions.