HONESDALE, PA — Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) and the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation (WMHF) will host a free community event titled Peace of Mind Through Planning on Thursday evening, October 29 at the hospital in Honesdale.

This informative session is open to the public and designed to help individuals and families navigate critical healthcare, legal, and end-of-life planning. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local experts about preparing for the unexpected and getting their affairs in order.

“Knowing who speaks for you if you are incapacitated is important. You want to make sure your wishes are perfectly clear so there's never any guesswork or stress for your family, temporarily or later,” explained Martha Wilson, Legacy Circle chair, WMHF.

The event will take place from 5-7 PM in the David Katz Conference Room, located on Floor 2 of Wayne Memorial Hospital. Ensure your family knows exactly who to call and where to look. Have you chosen an Executor, Trustee, or Guardian? What about HIPPA waivers? Do loved ones have your permission to be informed? “There’s plenty to consider, for your peace of mind and theirs” stated Carol Kneier, Community Relations manager, WMH.

The session features a comprehensive panel of local professionals across key sectors:

• Social Services: Mary Burgio-Terpak, WMH Social Services Manager, discussing necessary healthcare documents.
• Legal: Tim Barna of Barna Law, specializing in elder law and estate planning, presenting on wills and directives.
• Coroner: Edward Howell, Wayne County Coroner, presenting on how to prepare for the unexpected.
• Funeral Directors: John Brennan (Brennan Funeral Home, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers Board Member) and Brendan Murray (Hessling Murray Funeral Home, Chair of Wayne Health Services Board) discussing the importance of having things in order.

While the event is free to attend, space is limited and registration is required. Please RSVP by October 22, to Carol Kneier, Community Relations, email: kneier@wmh.org, or call 570-253-8990.