The John and Wauna Harman Foundation (Harman Foundation) has selected Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) to sponsor and coordinate a public awareness campaign on the importance of talking about end-of-life preferences and goals with loved ones and medical professionals.

 

The project uses PBS’s 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. HFA will organize screenings of the documentary in communities nationwide to engage wide and diverse audiences, including both members of the public and clinicians, to spark reflection and discussion about the need for these sensitive conversations.

 

Join St. Joseph’s Hospital at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 4 in Buckhannon or United Hospital Center at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 6 in Bridgeport for a free screening and discussion of the PBS Frontline documentary Being Mortal, based on the best-selling book by Dr. Atul Gawande. This film explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with the doctors, nurses and family members who care for them. See the film and be part of a national conversation taking place in our community that asks: "Have you and your family had these important conversations and planned ahead?"

 

“These screenings will be followed by a guided discussion,” said Dr. Paul Davis, family physician at UHC and medical director of People’s Hospice. “St. Joseph’s Hospital and UHC hopes to increase community participation, while ensuring representation of both medical professionals and lay people.”

 

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.

 

“St. Joseph’s Hospital and UHC are honored to have received the funding for this essential, community project from the Harman Foundation through HFA,” said Linda Carte, RN, MSN, AOCN, vice president of oncology and post-acute care at UHC.  “Events such as “Being Mortal” are especially important when you consider that seventy percent of Americans say they would prefer to die at home, but nearly 70 percent die in hospitals and institutions.  Ninety percent of Americans know they should have conversations about end-of-life care, yet only 30 percent have done so.”