For the City Times

A documentary film about the experiences of patients and families facing serious illness will be screened at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this month, in partnership with a program that encourages discussions on end of life issues.

“Being Mortal” will be shown at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Monday, April 17, at the UW-Stevens Point Dreyfus University Center Theater in conjunction with Conversations About Care.

The central Wisconsin community initiative aims to encourage public discourse about serious illness, end of life issues and caregiving. The film screening kicks off a week of activities to mark National Healthcare Decisions Day (www.nhdd.org).

“Being Mortal” is adapted from Dr. Atul Gawande’s 2014 nationally best-selling book of the same name. The documentary, aired on the PBS program “Frontline,” sheds light on how the medical system’s focus on cure often leaves out the sensitive conversations that need to happen so a person’s true wishes and choices can be honored.

A facilitated audience and panel discussion will immediately follow the film. Panel members with extensive experience in health care and hospice will offer perspectives on topics in the film. Doors open at 6 p.m. so participants may arrive early to review resources, meet others and learn more about the initiative.

The Being Mortal Project is being offered to community groups through the Hospice Foundation of America and the John and Wauna Harman Foundation in an effort to encourage national dialog about difficult conversations relating to care. It is co-sponsored by UW-Stevens Point.

For more information, please contact Conversations About Care at 715-630-6779 or [email protected].