Free Bay Area screenings of “Being Mortal” are part of national dialogue

We are pleased to announce that Mission Hospice will be showing “Being Mortal,” a PBS film adapted from the best-selling book by physician Atul Gawande, M.D. Part of a nationwide dialogue about individual goals for end-of-life, the events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required at MissionHospice.eventbrite.com.

Screenings are scheduled for:
Friday, June 17, 7pm at Trinity Church, 330 Ravenswood, Menlo Park
Friday, June 24, 6:30pm at Senior Coastsiders, 925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Thursday, August 25, 6:30 pm at Mission Hospice, 1670 South Amphlett Boulevard, #300, San Mateo

After each screening, audience members can participate in a guided conversation on how to take concrete steps to identify and communicate wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences.

BeingMortalTeaserImageMuted“This film illustrates the importance of talking with family members about their hopes and dreams around end-of-life,” said Lisa Deal, Chief Clinical Officer for Mission Hospice & Home Care. “We hope to inspire people to do this, by talking about what we might like for our lives – up until the very end.”

“Being Mortal” investigates the practice of caring for the dying and explores the relationships between patients and their doctors. 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.

Mission Hospice is holding these events in partnership with Trinity Church and Senior Coastsiders as part of a national program sponsored by the Hospice Foundation of America.

“The work of Dr. Gawande creates a wonderful opportunity to open up an important conversation within our community and within families,” said Rev. Elizabeth Riley of Trinity Church. “As difficult as it is to talk about the end of life, there is also a deep yearning to find ways to talk about it, and “Being Mortal” gives people a great place to start.”

“This film shows how death is part of life’s journey, and full of personal choices,” said Janie Bono-James, Executive Director of the Coastside Adult Day Health Center in Half Moon Bay.

Seventy percent of Americans say they would prefer to die at home, but nearly 70% die in hospitals and institutions. Ninety percent of Americans know they should have conversations about end-of-life care, yet only 30% have done so. These events are designed to prompt these conversations.