"You’ve been so helpful. I’m so grateful that you called me back even on a Saturday. I’m just trying to arrange what my mother wants. I know the end is pretty soon, and it’s hard.” - PCV Helpline callerNavigating the end-of-life process can be incredibly challenging for patients and their loved ones. Evaluating all the options, including medical aid in dying, and tackling the necessary steps can feel daunting, even overwhelming. This is where our compassionate Helpline team steps in, offering knowledgeable and caring assistance to patients as well as their spouses, children, siblings, and friends. As the quote above conveys, callers find immense comfort in knowing that they are doing everything they can to help a loved one die with peace and dignity, whether or not medical aid in dying is ultimately involved. Our Helpline is also a trusted and readily available resource for doctors, nurses, social workers, and hospice providers seeking deeper knowledge or nuanced information about Vermont's Act 39. PCV Helpline team members rotate their work, answering inquiries for a week at a time. It's a significant commitment to learn everything they need to know, be available for these crucial and sensitive conversations, and provide ongoing follow-up when necessary. Let's take a moment to recognize these extraordinary individuals and let them know how much we appreciate their dedication and care. The PCV Helpline team: Audrey Winograd, MSW, JD, PCV’s Program Manager, leads the Helpline team, handling calls, setting procedures, recruiting and training volunteers. Audrey is a hospice-trained medical social worker with experience in neurology, oncology, chronic disease and end-of-life care. She holds a law degree from Rutgers University, a Masters in Organizational Development from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Vermont.  Brigid Guttmacher, M.A., L.P.C, serves on the PCV Advisory Board and is a Helpline volunteer. Brigid has 40 years of experience with hospices in Washington, DC and Vermont as a volunteer and clinician.  Cheryl Klock, RN, is a PCV Helpline Volunteer. Cheryl is an RN at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. Even with her day-to-day nursing responsibilities, Cheryl volunteers on the Helpline, bringing care and compassion to patients and their families, while helping them navigate the MAID process.  Mary Larsen, RN, is a PCV Helpline Volunteer. Mary is a retired nurse with 47 years of experience, including hospice and palliative home health nursing. The PCV Helpline team is able to consult with our medical team to address any clinical questions that may arise. We are grateful to Dr. Diana Barnard, Dr. Jaina Clough, and Dr. Zail Berry for their ongoing guidance. PCV fundraises only twice a year, and we are currently in the midst of our Spring campaign. We truly appreciate the many supporters from across the state and beyond who have already contributed to this effort. Your generosity makes a real difference for the thousands of people who seek information from PCV's website and the many hundreds who contact the Helpline. Please consider honoring the PCV Helpline team with a contribution to our Spring fundraising campaign!Or mail a check to: Patient Choices Vermont PO Box 671 Shelburne, VT 05482 With appreciation,
Betsy J. Walkerman, Esq., President Patient Choices Vermont email: [email protected] phone: 802.448.0542 Comments are closed.
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