In observance of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce will host “Being Mortal: Aging, Illness and What Matters Most at the End,” a presentation for professionals and interested community members from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Moku Ola Ballroom at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Centered around questions raised by Dr. Atul Gawande’s best-selling book “Being Mortal,” the event seeks to further discuss the practice of caring for the dying and relationships between patients and their doctors.

“I have worked with families who are open and able to talk about these issues frankly and without fear, and I have worked with families who just can’t,” said Hawaii Island social worker Anne Anderson. “The families and patients who are comfortable talking about death and dying are the ones who tend to enjoy life now. They are the ones at peace and able to be together as a family despite the difficulties they are faced with.”

The luncheon discussion, in partnership with Hospice of Hilo, is recommended for any health care professional who seeks concrete steps for timely and open discussions with those in their care and for members of the community who want to understand the importance of end-of-life planning.

In addition to Anderson, panelists include: Dr. Lynda Dolan, private practice physician and Hospice of Hilo medical director; Dr. Jerry Gray, emergency medicine physician affiliated with multiple local hospitals; and Shirley Dellinger, Hospice of Hilo director of operations.

The luncheon cost is $35 or $30 for HICC members. Registration is required no later than Oct. 26.

To register or for more information, contact the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce at 961-7178 or admin@hicc.biz.

In observance of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce will host “Being Mortal: Aging, Illness and What Matters Most at the End,” a presentation for professionals and interested community members from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Moku Ola Ballroom at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Centered around questions raised by Dr. Atul Gawande’s best-selling book “Being Mortal,” the event seeks to further discuss the practice of caring for the dying and relationships between patients and their doctors.

“I have worked with families who are open and able to talk about these issues frankly and without fear, and I have worked with families who just can’t,” said Hawaii Island social worker Anne Anderson. “The families and patients who are comfortable talking about death and dying are the ones who tend to enjoy life now. They are the ones at peace and able to be together as a family despite the difficulties they are faced with.”

The luncheon discussion, in partnership with Hospice of Hilo, is recommended for any health care professional who seeks concrete steps for timely and open discussions with those in their care and for members of the community who want to understand the importance of end-of-life planning.

In addition to Anderson, panelists include: Dr. Lynda Dolan, private practice physician and Hospice of Hilo medical director; Dr. Jerry Gray, emergency medicine physician affiliated with multiple local hospitals; and Shirley Dellinger, Hospice of Hilo director of operations.

The luncheon cost is $35 or $30 for HICC members. Registration is required no later than Oct. 26.

To register or for more information, contact the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce at 961-7178 or admin@hicc.biz.