CRMC to host healthcare directive event on April 16

National Healthcare Decisions Day event aims to educate and empower community members on advance care planning.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:03pm

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A minimalist illustration of a medical stethoscope defined by glowing neon lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the importance of advance care planning.A community event aims to empower local residents to plan for their future healthcare needs.Brainerd Today

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is hosting a National Healthcare Decisions Day event on April 16 to help community members complete healthcare directives and have important conversations about their medical preferences and end-of-life wishes. The hospital will have social workers and notaries available to assist individuals in creating these legal documents, which designate a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to speak for themselves.

Why it matters

Advance care planning is essential for all adults, not just the elderly or chronically ill, to ensure their voice is heard and provide clarity and peace of mind for their loved ones and care teams. However, many people avoid these difficult conversations, which can leave families overwhelmed when faced with critical medical decisions.

The details

The National Healthcare Decisions Day event at CRMC will be held in the hospital lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Individuals can meet with a CRMC social worker and notary to complete a healthcare directive, also known as a living will, which outlines their medical preferences. While walk-ins are welcome, the hospital encourages people to call 218-546-2357 ahead of time to schedule an appointment.

  • National Healthcare Decisions Day is on April 16, 2026.
  • The CRMC event will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The players

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC)

A hospital in Crosby, Minnesota that is hosting a National Healthcare Decisions Day event to help community members complete healthcare directives.

KariLee Pietz

The director of care management at CRMC who emphasizes the importance of having advance care planning conversations.

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What they’re saying

“Understandably, people would put off discussing the topic of serious illness and death, but it's essential to have this family conversation in advance. It's a discussion that should take place in the living room, not in the hospital waiting room when it may be too late.”

— KariLee Pietz, Director of Care Management, CRMC

What’s next

Individuals who are unable to attend the CRMC event on April 16 can schedule an appointment with a CRMC social worker by calling 218-546-2357. Healthcare directive forms are also available online at the CRMC website.

The takeaway

This National Healthcare Decisions Day event at CRMC provides an important opportunity for community members to take proactive steps in advance care planning, ensuring their medical preferences are documented and their loved ones are prepared to make decisions on their behalf if needed. By having these difficult conversations now, families can avoid uncertainty and stress during critical moments.