Midweek Motivator: Planning ahead — Advance health care focus of Oct. 4 event – Brainerd Dispatch
Got Plans?
Life can change in an instant — do your loved ones know your wishes? Join us for a vital conversation about planning ahead for your health care before it’s too late. It’s not scary. It’s smart. It’s love.
Contributed / Crow Wing Energized
Plan for the best. It is never too early to start planning. An advance directive is not just for older adults — it’s a smart and proactive step for anyone over 18.
The Crow Wing Energized Aging Coalition invites community members to attend the 8th annual Got Plans? event, a free educational forum focused on advance health care planning. The event will be 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in the meeting room at the Brainerd Fire Department, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be served. This event is free, but space is limited so registration is required. Register at
CrowWingEnergized.Org/Events
.
- Expert panel discussion. Learn from a panel of local experts from Essentia Health, CRMC and St. Croix Hospice who will answer common questions about health care directives and walk you through how to start the planning process. The panel will also take questions from the audience.
- Powerful personal stories. You will have the opportunity to hear real-life stories from Tracy Wallin and Jill Casper, who will share their personal journeys and the important lessons they’ve learned about the value of having a plan.
- Keynote speaker: Lucas Spaeth. Lucas is an experienced elder law attorney and a Minnesota native. He is a graduate of Bethel University and the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He is experienced in probate, estate planning, guardianships, conservatorships and medical assistance planning. Lucas is intimately familiar with the unique issues facing the aging and elderly in Minnesota today and is passionate about helping people face those issues with grace and dignity.
An advance health care directive is a critical tool for making your end-of-life decisions known and respected. It allows you to document your preferences for a wide range of medical and personal choices, including life-sustaining treatments, pain management, hospice care, organ donation, and spiritual or cultural considerations. By clearly outlining your wishes, you ensure that your values guide your care — creating peace of mind for both you and your family.
Contributed / Crow Wing Energized
Come learn. Ask questions. Start the conversation. Register today to join us at the Got Plans? event on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The Crow Wing Energized Aging Coalition is dedicated to supporting healthy aging and empowering residents to plan for their futures with confidence and dignity. To learn more about the Crow Wing Energized and the Aging Coalition visit
crowwingenergized.org
.
Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission to “Improve health and wellness in our community by making the healthy choice the easy choice.” We believe collaboration is key, which is why our Midweek Motivator highlights local programs and resources that support healthy living and productive workplaces. Learn more and explore upcoming events at CrowWingEnergized.org and follow us on Facebook for updates.
Contributed / Crow Wing Energized
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