Church encourages use of health care planning

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Andrew Spehr, a recipient of a heart transplant, is an indirect beneficiary of health care planning.

Spehr, who spoke at a special forum April 16 at Harvest United Methodist Church to promote National Healthcare Decisions Day, owes his life to an organ donor.

Seven years since he received a new heart, Spehr met his donor’s family for the first time earlier this year to express appreciation.

“I had no idea when the phone call would come in,” said Spehr, speaking on behalf of LifeLink, a nonprofit organ- and tissue-recovery organization for which he volunteers. “I can eat again and I can walk without running out of breath again because of someone’s willingness to partake in advance health care planning and become an organ donor.”

For the first time, at the behest of Dr. Cathy Emmett, Harvest’s event organizer and a member of its congregational-care team, the church participated in National Healthcare Decisions Day.

About 15 people came to Harvest for the forum, which also featured a representative from Tidewell Hospice.

When people make difficult, long-term decisions, they often consult their church, making Harvest an ideal outlet to encourage early health care planning, Emmett said.

“Harvest has always been deeply concerned with the health and welfare of its members and neighbors,” Emmett said. “If there are no advance directives and/or the family is unsure of the patient’s wishes, there can be conflict and uncertainty. This impacts the spiritual, physical, emotional and relational needs of both the patient and family members.”

Vicki Bartz, the director of communications for Tidewell Hospice, hopes families consider different philosophies when planning end-of-life care for a patient. Tidewell Hospice has a chaplain and other religious leaders on staff, as well as social workers.

“I hope more people become receptive to hospice care,” said Bartz, noting the average length of stay for hospice is 11 days, although Medicare coverage lasts for more than six months. “It’s about body, mind and soul.”

Emmett said she expects Harvest to take part in National Healthcare Decisions Day next year.

“We’re here for members when they’re dealing with difficult illnesses,” Emmett said. “It’s always best to talk about these things ahead of time, not during the emotion of the event when the patient is often unable to tell us what they want.”

Contact Josh Siegel at [email protected]