Plan in a Can Delivers Vital Information, 2019-20

Many patients arrive at the hospital in an emergency without information vital to their treatment, adding challenges to an already difficult situation. Northeast Georgia Health System asked Wisdom Keepers to help adapt a program which started in Michigan to benefit residents of Hall County and surrounding areas. Wisdom Keepers developed a solution which puts vital health and treatment information in English or Spanish, an Advance Care Directive, and small personal items, such as eyeglasses, into one container easily transported with the patient to the hospital by family or emergency responders. Used tennis ball cans provide the containers and are sourced from a newly established recycling program in greater Hall County. The “Plan in a Can” program is now integrated into the Advance Directive Program at Northeast Georgia Health System and is being shared with communities across north Georgia. https://www.nghs.com/advance-care-planning

“Plan in a Can is an extremely valuable tool for our community to easily have their Advance Directive, medical information, as well as other chosen personal necessities with them when they have to come to the hospital. It also doubles as a recycling benefit to the environment. We are grateful for Dr. Jim Kruer bringing this idea to us from Michigan. We at NGHS and the Advance Care Planning department are also thankful for the immense time and effort the Wisdom Keepers gave to bringing this program to fruition in Hall County.” 

Libby Dunahoo, Manager, Advance Care Planning, Northeast Georgia Health System

“I am immensely proud to have worked with a team of Wisdom Keepers who were focused and dedicated to making this medical tool available to Hall County residents. It was very satisfying to get such positive feedback from community residents during training and to know they feel more confident and prepared for an emergency. The COVID-19 public health crisis made this tool even more valuable to residents and the health community.”

Wisdom Keeper Committee Co-Chair, Class of 2018