Daily News
In partnership with Artsville, CHD will connect residents with local experts in advanced care, estate planning and law to better understand key end-of-life planning.
CINCINNATI – September 17, 2026 – The Vital Records team from the Cincinnati Health Department (CHD), in partnership with Artsville, will host a free community workshop to help Cincinnati residents better understand advanced-care planning and end-of-life decision-making.
CHD’s "Are Your Affairs in Order?" workshop is designed to help Cincinnati residents learn more about important issues, including:
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Advanced care planning
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Health care decision-making
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Long-term care options
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Estate planning
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End-of-life planning
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Community support services available.
The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Artsville, which is located at 5021 Whetsel Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45227.
There is limited capacity for this free event, and advance registration is required no later than Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, by calling (513) 271-0805 or emailing info4artsville@gmail.com.
“We’ve found that most people understand the importance of retirement planning, but far fewer people realize additional planning is strongly recommended so they’re prepared and protected for that point in life when they can no longer care for themselves or live independently,” said Dr. Maryse Amin, CHD Assistant Health Commissioner for Community Health and Environmental Services.
“Unfortunately, these situations can arise quickly, and often unexpectedly, and they can put tremendous strain and stress on individuals and their families during what is already a difficult time. If advanced care plans are not already in place and documented when the time comes, you can face significant hurdles, emotional decisions, and financial losses while trying to get things in order,” Dr. Amin added.
The featured speakers at the Oct. 23 event are scheduled to include:
- Eric Carpenter – LTC Ombudsman Program Director | Pro Seniors, Inc.
- Venita E. Brown – Licensed Family Service Advisor | Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum and Spring Grove Funeral Homes.
- Amy E. Pennekamp – Attorney | William E. Hesch Law Firm, LLC.
A light lunch will be provided for attendees.
The Importance of Advanced Planning
A key service that CHD’s Vital Records team manages is the City of Cincinnati’s Unclaimed Remains program. This program provides dignified burials for an average of 60-65 City residents a year, including City residents whose families or next of kin cannot be located.
While many unclaimed remains cases involve indigent City residents, the Vital Records team also handles burial arrangements for City residents who passed away without end-of-life planning documented and whose families, for a variety of reasons, cannot provide the deceased with a proper disposition.
Advanced directives, including end-of-life planning, helps ensure that a person’s last wishes are executed as they wanted – including their funeral and burial preferences.
Dr. Amin added, “We hope the ‘Are Your Affairs In Order’ workshop helps residents understand and appreciate the importance of making these decisions before they’re needed. It’s hard for people to think about being unable to care for themselves or being unable to make decisions for themselves, but that becomes a reality for many people. Having your plans in place and legally documented can give you and your family confidence and peace of mind during a challenging time.”