Another in a continuing series of forums focusing on healthcare on South Whidbey will be held next week in Bayview.

The forum, “Take Charge of your Life,” will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the South Whidbey Senior Center, 14594 Highway 525, across from the Bayview Shopping Center.

The event will be moderated by Gretha Cammermeyer, South Whidbey’s representative on the Whidbey General Hospital Board of Commissioners.

The forum will focus on planning for future health emergencies and end-of-life situations for members of your family.

“We don’t know how we will die,” Cammermeyer said. “It may not be as painless, quick or encumbered as we would like. Make those tough end-of-life decisions while you can.”

She said advanced planning often can spare anguish for families when medical emergencies arise.

Forum topics will include advanced directives, physician orders for life-sustaining treatment and emergency medical service response to 911 calls. Panelists will be Carla Jolley, oncology nurse specialist; Theo Wells, author and communications consultant; and Dr. Paul Zaveruha, a surgeon and Whidbey General commissioner representing Central Whidbey.