Central Maine Medical Center, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Hospice Foundation of America, are leading and coordinating a public awareness campaign on the importance of talking about end-of-life preferences and goals with loved ones and medical professionals.
“Hopefully, the fact that the two local hospitals and the local home care/hospice agency are working together will demonstrate how important we feel this topic is for our patients, families and our community,” said Chris Chekouras, CEO, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
Underwritten by the John and Wauna Harman Foundation (Harman Foundation), the project uses PBS’ “Frontline” film, “Being Mortal” to educate audiences and encourage people to take concrete steps to identify and communicate their wishes for end-of-life care. Aired on PBS in February 2015, “Being Mortal” follows physician Atul Gawande as he thinks about death and dying in the context of being a healer.
The renowned writer and Boston surgeon shares stories about experiences at the end of life from patients and his own family. Dr Gawande published a national bestselling book by the same name.
Three screenings of “Being Mortal” are scheduled at:
• Bates College, Olin 104, Thursday, May 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Gendron Franco Center, Wednesday, May 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Central Maine Community College, Jalbert Hall, Auditorium, Tuesday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to noon.
To register for any of these events, call the St. Mary’s Mission Integration Office at 207-777-8805.
The National Healthcare Decisions Day initiative is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations committed to ensuring that all adults with decision-making capacity in the United States have the information and opportunity to communicate and document their healthcare decisions.
For more information, visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org.
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