CROWN POINT – Franciscan St. Anthony Health will host a free program from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, on advance health care planning. The meeting, part of National Healthcare Decisions Day, will be in the Marian Education Center, 1201 S. Main St.

            Ruth Ann Schaller, a social worker and member of Franciscan Home Care Services Inc., will discuss the importance of advance directives to make sure patients’ health care wishes are met. Directives are documents that inform others of the range and type of medical treatments patients want.

            “We are advocates for the patients. We encourage them to express their health care wishes and urge providers and facilities to respect them,” said Julie Martinez, palliative care coordinator.

            No registration is needed to attend. For more information, call (219) 757-6339.