In 2014, Dr. Atul Gawande wrote Being Mortal, a book that was groundbreaking in both the frankness and compassion in which he encouraged us all to “have the conversation.” Based on his experiences as a surgeon and a son he gently helps us all to find the words and courage to talk about what matters most as we acknowledge the reality of “being mortal.”

The Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County and its Foundation recognizes both the importance of Dr. Gawande’s work as well as the difficulty of “having the conversation.” This difficulty is common to all-patients and professionals alike.

Therefore, the VNA is offering you the opportunity to share a viewing of the PBS video Being Mortal. Patricia Lamb, a nurse practitioner and certified palliative care clinician, will facilitate a Q&A session following the viewing as well as offer information and assistance to persons ready to “have the conversation.” The entire program is about 90 minutes in length and free of charge.

The screening will take place Wednesday, November 7, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Seneca Place, 3163 State Route 257, Seneca.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s November 2018 edition of the VenangoWorks! Newsletter.