For Immediate Release

Contact: 
Samantha Thomason
Community Relations Manager
540-372-1144
FOR MEDIA ONLY
Library and Mary Washington Hospice host series that tackles end-of-life issues
Film screenings and discussions focus on need for communication about end-of-life preferences
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, April 5, 2017Across the country, the  Hospice Foundation of America  is sponsoring screenings of the PBS Frontline documentary Being Mortal , followed by a discussion of the end-of-life issues raised by the film. Central Rappahannock Regional Library and Mary Washington Hospice are partnering to bring this national conversation to the Fredericksburg area.

Being Mortal Screening & Panel Discussion

Being Mortal  is an exploration of the practice of caring for the dying in our society, and is based on the best-selling book by physician Dr. Atul Gawande. The film  follows 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. 

Cooper, Tuesday, April 18, 2:00-4:00  p.m.
England Run, Wednesday, May 17, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Headquarters, Wednesday, May 31, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Salem Church, Saturday, June 3, 11:00 a.m.-1:00  p.m.



Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local health providers.

Panelists for the April 18 discussion are:
  • William R. Anderson, Jr., MD, HMDC, Medical Director MW Hospice & Palliative Care
     
  • Dr. Wayland Marks, Geriatric Medicine (Family Medicine)
     
  • Valerie Hopson-Bell, BA, CMC, Geriatric Care Manager, Long-Term Care Ombudsman
     
  • Jamie N. Frazier, MSW - Supervisor of Counseling Services - Mary Washington Hospice
The Conversation Project

The Conversation Project is a national movement focused on helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care.  Representatives from Mary Washington Hospice   will share information on this movement which is helping people discuss and document their end-of-life wishes. You'll learn how to begin a conversation and how to help others address end-of-life preferences.

Cooper, Tuesday, April 25, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
England Run, Monday, June 5, 7:00-9:00  p.m.
Salem Church, Wednesday, June 14, 7:00-9:00  p.m.
Headquarters, Thursday, June 15, 7:00-9:00  p.m.


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For more information, contact Michele Brown, Adult Services Coordinator, michele.brown@crrl.org, 540-372-1144, Headquarters Library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401.

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