In times of need, when struggling with important medical decisions, you can ask for help from someone who appeals to a higher power. Hospital chaplains like Door County Medical Center’s Catherine Heimbecher and John Hauser not only provide spiritual guidance but also help facilitate the conversations people need to have before unpredictable illnesses and injuries occur.

According to a 2025 Harris Poll, only 5% of Americans have an advance care plan in place, and 50% are unfamiliar with the process. Advance care plans outline what should happen if you become incapacitated due to a sudden illness or injury. These plans can include a living will, a durable power of attorney for health care, and other specialized orders such as do-not-resuscitate or do-not-hospitalize directives.

Heimbecher understands that making such decisions can be difficult, especially if you do not know the wishes of your loved ones.

She encourages people to talk with Door County Medical Center staff or personnel at their local health care provider to begin the process of completing an advance care plan to have on file. April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day, serving as a reminder for families to discuss advance care plans.