2026 End of Life Education programs will start on Thursday, Jan. 15, and continue into the spring.
Topics can be suggested and a schedule will be set.
End of Life Education, which has in the past met the third Thursday of the month at the Community United Methodist Church at 434 Lewis St., is not a church activity. Anyone from the Pagosa Springs community is welcome to attend.
Use the convenient parking lot with the side entrance into the kitchen and fellowship hall. The main doors into the church remain locked.
The program will begin at 1 p.m. with time for visiting, coffee, tea and treats, if someone brings something to share. It was decided that the official program should end between 2:30 and 3 p.m., but people can remain in the fellowship hall for socializing, discussions, support, etc. until 4 p.m.
Our programs are nondenominational and free, but people attending can bring canned food for the church pantry or make a cash donation in appreciation for using the room.
Attendance varies for each program, so feel welcome to come anytime and bring friends or anyone who might benefit from the topic.
A few topics include information given by a paramedic about what can happen when you call 911, a detailed talk presented by a local doctor about the Colorado state laws about medical aid for the end of life and information from local funeral homes.
Four meetings have been scheduled, so far, the first being Thursdays, Jan. 15 and Jan. 29. We will also meet on the third Thursday in February, Feb. 19,and the third Thursday in March, March 19. The topics for each meeting have not been finalized yet, but will be by next week.
We will also be filling out the paperwork for the end of life that is given in the booklet “Your Right to Make Healthcare Decisions.”
Federal law requires that you must be given information on advance directives at the time you are admitted by any hospital, nursing home, HMO, hospice, home health care or personal care program that receives federal funds (Medicare).
We have used this booklet as part of our program so people can get a start on the paperwork rather than waiting until a more stressful time. There is also a form to fill out about resuscitation that is important to have completed and left on your refrigerator.
There will be articles in The SUN announcing the dates and times to complete these important forms and other topics.
End-of-life education is a difficult topic, but so many people have been helped by these talks, lectures and discussions. I have never heard of anyone being too prepared.
Joan Mieritz will be facilitating the programs and is looking for a few helpers.
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