COMMUNITY MERCY HOSPICE AND OHIO’S HOSPICE OF DAYTON ARE PARTICIPATING IN A NATIONWIDE EFFORT TO ENGAGE COMMUNITIES IN AN END-OF-LIFE CONVERSATION.

The two local affiliates of Ohio’s Hospice are holding a free, community screening of the documentary “Being Mortal” at 7 PM on Monday, February 20 at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. Following the screening, audience members are invited to participate in a guided conversation on how to identify and take concrete steps to communicate wishes about end of life goals and preferences.

“Being Mortal” delves into the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness. The film investigates the practice of caring for the dying and explores the relationships between patients and their doctors. It follows a surgeon, Dr. Atul Gawande, as he shares stories from the people and families he encounters. When Dr. Gawande’s own father gets cancer, his search for answers about how best to care for the dying becomes a personal quest. The film sheds light on how a medical system focused on a cure often leaves out the sensitive conversations that need to happen so a patient’s true wishes can be known and honored at the end.

“Being Mortal” underscores the importance of planning ahead and talking with family members about end-of-life decisions. The film “Being Mortal” originally aired nationally in February of 2015 on the PBS program “Frontline.” For more information about the film click here. The film is adapted from Dr. Gawande’s 2014 nationally best selling book of the same name.

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.

The free screening is made possible by a grant from The John and Wauna Harman Foundation in partnership with the Hospice Foundation of America, Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice and Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, affiliates of Ohio’s Hospice.

While there is no cost to attend, those who plan to do so are encouraged to register on line at www.OhiosHospice.org/Being-Mortal. Those who register and will be entered to win a copy of the book “Being Mortal.” For more information about the free screening, contact Ohio’s Hospice Director of Mission Engagement and Communication Craig Schrolucke at 937-781-1319 or cschrolucke@OhiosHospice.org

</br>