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Medical Grand Rounds at UVM - February 28, 2020

4/10/2020

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Diana Barnard MD and Jaina Clough MD spoke to a standing-room-only crowd on the topic of “Act 39, MAID in Vermont:  A Clinician Update” at UVM Medical Center’s Davis Auditorium on February 28. 2020.
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​Nearly 200 physicians and other medical staff from the UVM Health Network arrived to hear their two colleagues present “Grand Rounds.”
 
Dr. Barnard and Dr. Clough reviewed national trends, state data, and practical clinical information on the topic of medical-aid-in-dying (MAID), including evolving drug protocols and available pharmacies. The current number of people in Vermont who have requested and qualified for the terminal prescription since 2013 when Act 39 became law, is 87.  The majority of those individuals suffered from cancer.
 
Dr. Barnard, who attended the first ever National Clinicians’ Conference on MAID in California in February, reported on the clinical experience and research on medications occurring across the country. The conference concluded by moving forward with the  establishment of the "National Academy of MAID," which will work to promote excellence in end-of-life care including promoting education and collaboration around MAID. While it is not yet fully formalized, Dr. Barnard will serve on what will most likely be called the Academy's Development and Advisory Committee.

Dr. Clough recognized local authors Kara K Landry MD, Janet Ely APRN, and Alissa Thomas MD for publication of their article, “Experience and Attitudes Regarding Medical Aid in Dying, Act 39, Among Vermont Specialty Practices”. The article appeared in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, October 2019 and substantiated the position that MDs want more information on the topic. 
 
Following their presentation of factual information, the duo turned their attention to how physicians respond to patient requests for MAID and role-played various scenarios for the appreciative audience.  The number of questions and comments generated by this activity suggests that physicians consider MAID a topic worthy of ongoing discussion and learning.  While no physician is required to participate in Act 39, it is comforting to know that facts and understanding will inform that decision. 
 
The number of medical professionals attending represents a big increase from previous workshops, signaling improvement in future access to knowledgeable doctors for patients seeking to explore medical aid in dying.

Dr. Clough, is board certified in both Internal Medicine, and as a Hospice Medical Director. Dr. Barnard is a Family Practice doctor, board certified in both Hospice and Palliative Care, and also as a Hospice Medical Director. 
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Your Options, Your Autonomy at End of Life, Feb 1

1/22/2020

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We are pleased to share information with Vermonters in the Montpelier region at a free educational discussion about medical aid in dying co-hosted with Capital City Grange.

Betsy Walkerman, President of Patient Choices Vermont will present "Your Options, Your Autonomy at End of Life" from
5 - 6 PM on Saturday, February 1. Please join us at this informative opportunity.
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Learn, Ask questions, and Share Stories
  • Medical aid in dying (Vermont's Act 39)
  • Personal story of choice at the end of life
  • Making decisions when faced with terminal illness
  • How to talk to your doctor

Download Poster shown below... ​
capital_grange_poster_final1-18-20.pdf
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“Medical Aid in Dying; The story of one man’s choice” Jan 28 at UVM’s Medical Education Pavilion

12/27/2019

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Learn about Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) at a panel discussion at 5 PM on Tuesday, January 28 at the University of Vermont’s Medical Education Pavilion, Larner Classroom, Room 100. ​

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Medical Aid in Dying; The story of one man’s choice is a unique opportunity to hear the perspectives of both a family member and the physician attending a patient who chose MAID, which is now an option for more than 70 million Americans. The discussion, hosted by the Dana Medical Library and Patient Choices Vermont, will be led by Dr. Jaina Clough (Medical Director, UVM Home Health and Hospice).

The panel will include: Peggy Stevens, sharing the story of her husband who voluntarily hastened his death under Vermont’s Act 39, the Patient Choice at End of Life law; Dr. James Boyd (UVM Neurologist), her husband’s physician, who will present his observations on the doctor-patient experience; and Dr. Tim Lahey (Director of Ethics, UVM Medical Center) who will discuss the clinicians’ duty to make sure that patients know of all their options and are able to make informed decisions.

“As a hospice physician, I was ambivalent about MAID when Vermont passed Act 39 in 2013,” says Dr. Jaina Clough. “Then, I met Debora, a 65-year-old woman with aggressive brain cancer, who had elected hospice immediately after her diagnosis. She had a deep clarity about herself and her illness. She understood that her illness would impact the elements of her life that mattered most to her: her cognition, her mobility, and most importantly, her independence.  For Debora, the choice to take a medication to end her own life represented control and a path to a peaceful death. Learning from Debora changed my perspective on MAID.”

Vermont’s medical-aid-in-dying law allows a terminally ill patient with decision-making capacity to voluntarily end their life. As in all 10 states where it is legal, Vermont’s law defines careful criteria that must be met in order for a patient to receive MAID: A patient must voluntarily request MAID for a terminal illness, be informed of all of their treatment options (including palliative treatments), and must have decision making capacity. The physician’s role in this relationship, as in all patient relationships, remains to continually explore and respond to suffering, and to understand what matters most to a patient’s quality of life.
​
Please join in this unique opportunity to hear about one man’s choices at the end of life.

Download Poster shown below... 
(dana_library_event_poster_1-28-20.pdf)

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David Zuckerman to Lead Upcoming Healthy Democracy Discussion

11/18/2019

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Join us in Castleton, Vermont on December 3

We are proud to be the first state that passed a medical aid in dying law by legislative action. Our success in 2013 is a testament to the vibrant democratic processes we have here in Vermont.

Patient Choices Vermont is pleased to have been invited to speak as part of Castleton University's community discussion exploring Healthy Democracy with a focus on healthcare.​

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Healthy Democracy: Act 39, Proposition 5, and “Tenth Power” Political Activism
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 2 - 4 PM

DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Act 39 – Death with Dignity and Medical Assistance in Dying
Proposition 5 - “an individual’s right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty
and dignity to determine one’s own life course.”

PANELISTS:
Betsy Walkerman, President of Patient Choices Vermont
Lucy Leriche, Vice President of Public Policy Vermont, Planned Parenthood Northern New England
Stephen Kiernan, Author/Journalist, Health Care Advocate.

MODERATOR:
Lt. Governor, David Zuckerman

LOCATION:
Hoff Hall Conference Room is located at Castleton University, 360 South Street in,Castleton, Vermont.

CONTACT:
Professor Joe Markowski with any questions
jdm09200@csc.vsc.edu
802.353.6805
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Responding to Suffering at the End of Life: When Patients Make Difficult Choices, Sept 13

9/1/2019

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We are pleased to help publicize this upcoming event hosted by The Northeast Kingdom Palliative Care Initiative.

PCV board member Dr. Diana Barnard and Peggy Stevens, who is featured in PCV videos, will be among the speakers.

Date: Friday, Sept. 13 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Location: Eastside Restaurant , 47 Landing Street on the shore of Lake Memphremagog in Newport, Vermont

Featuring:
  • Diana L. Barnard, MD
  • Sara Wyllie Fitts, CPNP, LCMHC NCC
  • Peggy Stevens, M.Ed.
  • Rev. Michel Richards, MA, CPE II

This seminar will explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering that may accompany the end-of-life journey and choices that patients might pursue to end this suffering. Come prepared to learn about how to listen and how to respond to requests to hasten death – What is the dying person really asking? What are the ethical and legal options to stopping treatment or nutrition? This seminar is appropriate for healthcare professionals of all disciplines and of all levels, as well as educators, social workers, clergy members, interested community persons, and anyone involved personally or professionally with the care of the seriously ill.

Registration required by Monday, September 9, 2019
(click above for a brochure with mail-in registration form PDF)
or send a check for $15 (includes lunch) made payable to
Northeast Kingdom Palliative Care Initiative, Inc. and mail to:

Lyne Limoges, MSN, RN
Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice
46 Lakemont Road
Newport, VT 05855

Please include the following information with your registration:

Name:
Profession:
Agency /Organization:
Address:
Telephone:​

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Senior Day at the Champlain Valley Fair, Aug 27, 2019

7/3/2019

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Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) will be among the exhibitors at Age Well's Senior Day on Tuesday, August 27.

We encourage you to visit with us on this special day of the annual Champlain Valley Fair, an event which typically welcomes more than 300 Vermont seniors to enjoy a luncheon (now sold out), live music, and all-day access to the fairgrounds.
Adults age 50 or older will save $3 off their admission ticket with I.D. at the gate – Valid only on Senior Day.

We look forward to talking with visitors who stop by our onsite exhibitor's booth where we will also provide a collection of PCV's valuable printed resource materials on end-of-life options and Vermont's Act 39. The event is located in the beer tent within the fair grounds. The Champlain Valley Fair lists the beer tent as #5 on the official map, not too far from the Red Gate.

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7 Days of Death Talks Featured in Winooski for Public Philosophy Week, March 24-30

3/22/2019

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​Hosted by Wishbone Collective and Patient Choices Vermont

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UVM's 3rd Annual Public Philosophy Week was first launched in 2017 to bring discussions out of the academy and into the public square. New in 2019, is a series of seven discussions on death and coping with grief, organized by UVM alumnus Alexandria Kerrigan, a recent graduate of the university's End-of-Life Doula Program. 

The Death Talk Philosophy Week series begins on Sunday, March 24 at 2 pm with Krista Beth Atwood, former pastor of the Faith United Methodist Church in South Burlington, leading off with "Is there Life Without Death?" There are seven daily events at various times, covering a diversity of death topics featuring different speakers including Betsy Walkerman, president of Patient Choices Vermont, on Tuesday, March 26 from 6-7 pm leading a discussion on "ACT 39 and Death with Dignity." 

Join us for seven days of Death Talks during Public Philosophy Week at the Wishbone Collective!
  • Sunday, March 24 from 2-3 pm
    Kristabeth Atwood
    Is There Life Without Death? Cryogenic Freezing & Fountains of Youth: Can One Truly Live While Trying to Outrun Death?
  • Monday, March 25 from 12-1 pm
    Sharon Keegan
    Why Now Matters at the Time of Death
  • Tuesday, March 26 from 6-7 pm
    Betsy Walkerman President of Patient Choices Vermont
    Act 39 & Death with Dignity
  • Wednesday, March 27 from 4-5 pm
    Howard Hoffman
    Psychedelics at the End of Life
  • Thursday, March 28 from 10-11 am
    Judson Browning
    Burial Ethics: From Environmental Integrity to Grief
  • Friday, March 29 from 7-8 pm
    Erin Ostreicher
    The Art & Ornamentation of Grief
  • Saturday, March 30 from 11 am-12 pm
    Mary Hamilton
    ​How Experiencing Death Changes the Way We Live
​The idea of bringing people together to talk about death was originated by Swiss sociologist and anthropologist Bernard Crettaz who organized the first Café Mortel in 2004. The idea spawned an international Death Cafe movement with more than 6,000 hosted so far by various organizations around the world. 

Death Talks provide a safe place for open dialogue and the philosophical exploration of themes such as mortality, the afterlife, spirituality, cultural practices, history, individual experience, and more. Death Talks is not a personal support group nor a counseling session.
  • Location: Wishbone Collective is a second-floor loft overlooking Main Street in Winooski, with entrance at 4 West Center Street.
  • Light refreshments will be served.
  • Donations to support the shared space are appreciated but not required.
RSVPs are not necessary but you can do so while sharing the event with friends at the Facebook event Page: Death Talks x Public Philosophy Week.
​

Wishbone Collective is located at: 4 West Center Street, Winooski, Vermont
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Gerontology Symposium 2019: Navigating End of Life Care and Transitions, March 25

3/22/2019

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Monday, March 25, 2019
Hilton Hotel, Burlington, Vermont

The Gerontology Symposium is a conference designed to enable participants to gain knowledge pertaining to a key areas of caregiving for older adults: End of Life Care and Transitions. The symposium also seeks to strengthen the connections between family caregivers and professionals. This year, topics will include:
  • Keys to Navigating Care at the End of Life
  • Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning
  • Complex decision making when multiple agents are involved
  • Grief and Bereavement, as experienced by families and professionals
  • End of Life Doulas, an additional resource
  • Hospice and Those Living with Dementia
  • Hospice and Palliative Care services
Keynote Presenter - Dr. Karen Wyatt, Author of 
What Really Matters: 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying 

The Center on Aging at The University of Vermont is pleased to present this program whose goal is to provide current, research-based information on topics relevant to both family and professional caregivers who work with our rapidly growing population of older adults. For the second year, the conference will offer two different tracks:
  • Family Caregiver Track
  • Professional Track

Registration Fees

Professionals: $35
Family Caregivers: $20 (discounted registration is intended for those caring for family members)
Continuing Education credit: add $20

Click for more information and to register... 
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Let's Talk About Death Wednesday, Jan. 23 in Winooski...

1/9/2019

1 Comment

 
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The idea of bringing people together to talk about death was originated by Swiss sociologist and anthropologist Bernard Crettaz who organized the first Café Mortel in 2004. The idea spawned an international Death Cafe movement with more than 6,000 hosted so far by various organizations around the world. 

Here in Vermont, the movement to socially de-stigmatize talk about death and dying is well underway, with many events over the past few years. In August 2018, Alexandria Kerrigan, a recent graduate of the University of Vermont's End-of-Life Doula Program, launched the first Winooski Vermont Death Café and has hosted six monthly events since, renaming the concept as Death Talks last December.

Death Talks provide a safe place for open dialogue and the philosophical exploration of themes such as mortality, the afterlife, spirituality, cultural practices, history, individual experience, and more. Death Talks is not a personal support group nor a counseling session.

On Wednesday, January 23 from 6-8 pm, Betsy Walkerman and Francesca Arnoldy of Patient Choices VT will present a session regarding Vermont's Medical Aid in Dying Law (Act 39). 
  • Location: Wishbone Collective is a second-floor loft overlooking Main Street with entrance at 4 West Center Street in Winooski, Vermont.
  • Light refreshments will be served.
  • Donations to support the shared space are appreciated but not required.
Patient Choices Vermont provides informative and engaging speakers and is also able to facilitate discussions (stand-alone or within larger events). Please contact Francesca Arnoldy, our research and community outreach specialist, to book a customized presentation on Act 39, Vermont's Medical Aid in Dying law. 

Alexandria Kerrigan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and is pursuing a masters in social work. She has been interested and comfortable with the topic of death since childhood and has extensive personal experience with grief and loss. 

The Wishbone Collective hosts and sponsors monthly Death Talks in alignment with their mission to create a unique community space for all. 

RSVPs are not necessary but you can do so while sharing the event with friends at the Facebook event Page: Death Talks featuring Patient Choices Vermont: Act 39 Seminar.
Thanks for considering attending this community outreach event,

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PCV Celebrates Act 39 Fifth Anniversary with Stage Production

5/10/2018

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A Finished Heart by Eliot Cherry
PCV sponsored the presentation of an intimate one-act theater production as part of the recognition of the five-year anniversary of Vermont’s End of Life Choice Law (Act 39).​ We brought author, composer, and actor, Eliott Cherry here from Oregon to present his deeply personal story of love, life, and dying.

The three, hour-long performance, staged from May 17-19, 2018 brought audience members in touch with the universal experience of dying, amid humor and loving conversations at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Norwich, at the Shelburne Town Hall,  and at Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph.

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​Eliott's performances prompted conversations about care giving, personal choices, and fundamental human connections. Each performance was followed by a discussion session, and PCV provided  information about Vermont’s End of Life Choice Law (Act 39).

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