News

It's Time We Talk: Conversations about End-of Life Wishes

As the difficult and painful events around the Terri Schiavo case unfolded in recent weeks, many people began to ask: "How can I make sure something like this doesn't happen to me?"

Two local organizations that work in the field of end-of-life care, the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life and Project Compassion, have organized a pair of community panel discussions to help families and individuals better understand, communicate and document care preferences for those near death.

The events, to include comments from experts in medicine, law, faith & theology, and patient/family issues, will be at the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, May 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Union Baptist Church, 904 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC
• Monday, May 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Chapel Hill Bible Church, 260 Erwin Road, Chapel Hill, NC

Linda Belans, host of Do No Harm , an award-winning public radio series on medical ethics, will facilitate the discussions and audience questions and participation. These events will offer professional guidance, resources, and support to help you express your end-of-life wishes.

Both community gatherings are free; no pre- registration required.

Project Compassion is a Triangle-based non-profit that creates community and provides support for people dealing with serious illness, end of life and grief.

The Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, based at Duke Divinity School,seeks to improve care at the end of life through interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and outreach.

For more information, please call 919-660-3553.