Atrium Health Floyd is reminding area residents about National Health Care Decisions Day today, emphasizing the importance of having an advance directive in place. The hospital is hosting an advance directive signing event today to help individuals document their healthcare wishes.

Many people may not realize that, without an advance directive, their legal next of kin automatically becomes their medical decision-maker in the event they are unable to speak for themselves. This may not always be the desired choice. To address this, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center will hold events from 10 AM to noon and 2 to 4 PM at the Stuenkel Conference Center on the first floor and the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Gym on the fourth floor.

“An advance directive is used to help your family, friends and clinical caregivers know your wishes in the event you cannot make your wishes known in a health crisis,” said Chris Barbieri, an Atrium Health Floyd chaplain. “Too many people wait to act, leaving loved ones guessing about their preferences. It can cause a lot of stress among families.” An advance directive allows individuals to express their preferences regarding aggressive treatments like CPR, life support, and feeding tubes in catastrophic situations. Attendees will be encouraged to complete and sign their own advance directive at the event.

Barbieri compared the event to National Signing Day for athletes, stating, “Just like players are making their decisions about their future known, we encourage everyone to have an advance directive and to inform their loved ones about their decision.” Even healthy individuals can benefit from completing an advance directive, providing an opportunity for reflection and ensuring peace of mind. “At Atrium Health Floyd, we encourage every patient who is 18 or older to at least think about an advance directive,” Barbieri said. “We care about our community and have planned this event to offer this opportunity to learn, take control over your health care decisions and identify what matters most in your medical journey.