LAKEPORT, Calif. – Hospice Services of Lake County, in conjunction with several Lake County agencies, will present a free seminar on the importance of having an advance health care directive.

The seminar, offered in Spanish, is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, and March 15, at the Big Valley Hall, 1510 Big Valley Road, Finley.

Seminar attendees will receive a light dinner, forms and suggestions on how to begin writing about "how you want to be cared for if you can’t speak for yourself," according to seminar planners.

“Deciding on and documenting the kind of health care you want at the end of your life is the greatest gift you can give your loved ones,” said Corrigan Gommenginger, ACHE, chief executive officer of Hospice Services of Lake County. “If you have an unexpected accident or contract a serious illness, how do you know that your health care wishes will be followed? An estimated 82 percent of people say it’s important to put their wishes in writing, yet only 23 percent have actually done it.”

The community meetings are being sponsored by Hospice Services of Lake County in partnership with Lake County Latinos United, Lake County Office of Education, Lake County Behavioral Health, Lake Family Resource Center, Migrant Education, California Human Development and Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary.

Seating is limited. Call 707-263-6270, Extension 138, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve a seat.

Janine Smith-Citron is development coordinator for Hospice Services of Lake County.