Brown County Prevention Coalition: Advance Care Planning
Purpose
Create opportunities for adults in Brown County to have the conversation and understand the urgency and need to complete a healthcare advance directive.
Priorities
- Help adults complete a Power of Attorney (POA) for Healthcare and place on file within the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Build community awareness for why POA for Healthcare is important.
- Provide education to assist in the completion of healthcare advance directives.
- Focus on healthcare advance directives and not on financial POA documents.
Prevention Coalition Contacts:
Direct questions or inquires for more information to the Advance Care Planning Subcommittee Chair:
Lisa McMahon, email: lmcmahon@unityhospice.org
Direct questions or inquires for more information to the Steering Committee Chair:
Jody Weisse, email: jody.weisse@bellin.org
Local Resources
Click on the buttons below for more information about advance directives.
Watch important video messages from local experts regarding healthcare advance directives.
Upcoming Classes
Advance Care Directives for Healthcare
Join us for an uplifting and informative session for community members 18 and older. Discover how you can ensure your healthcare preferences are clearly understood and honored, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself. By documenting your wishes, you provide your loved ones with confidence, clarity, and the gift of peace of mind.
Dates:
- Thursday February 19, 2026 | 10 - 11:30 am | at ADRC
- Thursday April 23, 2026 | 10 - 11:30 am | at ADRC
National Healthcare Decisions Day
Join us to hear from local healthcare, legal, and support experts as they discuss how completing an advance directive empowers you, your loved ones, and you care team.
Learn from these experts:
Dr. Amy James, Medical Doctor:
- How clinicians use advance care plans in real medical situations and why early conversations improve patient-centered care.
Laura Nord-Rossato, Social Worker:
- Starting conversations with loved ones about advance directives and selecting an appropriate agent.
Rachel Yokers, Chaplain:
- How spiritual care supports individuals and families during difficult healthcare decisions and encourages thoughtful reflection on personal values.
Laurie Medenblik, Donation Support:
- Explains the impact of organ and tissue donation and how individuals can make informed decisions that honor their values.
Jeff Martinson, Attorney:
- Covers the legal essentials of advance directives, powers of attorney, and how to ensure your healthcare wishes are clearly documented.
Date:
Wednesday April 15, 2026 | 5:30 - 6:45 pm | at ADRC
30-minute one-on-one appointment:
Complete your documents, have them witnessed, and filed with the health systems. Registration is required for these appointments. Call 920-448-4300.
Dates:
- Monday April 20, 2026 | 10 am - 12 pm | at ADRC (provided by Unity Hospice)
- Tuesday April 21, 2026 | 12 pm - 6 pm | at ADRC (provided by Aurora)
- Thursday April 23, 2026 | 11:30 am - 3:30 pm | at ADRC (provided by Emplify Health by Bellin)