JFS has collaborated with United Family Medicine, Keystone Communities, Allina Health, St. Paul JCC and Honoring Choices Minnesota to start advance care planning conversations in St. Paul’s West End. Our collaboration will host a film and panel discussion focused on advance care planning and end-of-life issues. In addition to the book “Being Mortal,” author Dr. Gawande produced a documentary that features five families experiencing end of life challenges and decision-making. The event “Who Speaks for Me: A Conversation about End of Life—Expected and Unexpected” will be on Thursday, August 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Seventh Community Center. Panel members will include a local physician, nurse, social worker, chaplain and a family member who has experienced the challenges and gifts of making end-of-life decisions with family members. At the event, resources will be offered to individuals seeking support and guidance in carrying out advance care planning. This event is funded by the MAFP Foundation.

JFS has two staff members, Rabbi Lynn Liberman and Bonnie Jaffe, RN, trained as certified Honoring Choices facilitators, the most common advance care planning tool used in Minnesota. They are available to meet with individuals and families to simply facilitate conversations and/or help individuals complete an Honoring Choices or any advance care planning document. Call JFS if you would like more information.