A public forum to provide information on the issue of Hospice and Palliative care will be held Wednesday, October 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Northern Lower Michigan (LWVNLM). The forum will be held at the Petoskey District Library’s downstairs conference room. Participants can attend either in person at the library or by Zoom.

Program overview:
Paul Blanchard, MD will provide a brief overview of issues and decisions to be considered as end of life approaches. He has extensive experience managing chronic disease and in advanced care planning discussions.

Courtney Brinkman, MSN, FNP-C of NorthStar Palliative Care will explain what Palliative Care is, when it is appropriate, who provides it, and what insurance coverage might be available.

Chris Hurley, LPN, Business Development and Sales Supervisor for McLaren Health Management Group, will discuss Hospice Services in our community. Chris will focus on eligibility, scope of services, where they are provided, what hospice providers are available locally, what is the cost and what insurance coverage might be available.

A question and answer period will follow.