posted 04-09-2000 07:21 PM         

On April 18, 2000, at KNPB Channel 5, 1670 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada (775) 784-4555 KNPB and the Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy will host the "On Our Own Terms: Moyers on Dying in America videoconference from 8:45-11:00 a.m. Afterwards coalition members will discuss and implement Nevada's continuing outreach to improve end-of-life care for all Nevadans.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP by April 14th to Laura Storrey @ (775)784-4555.

On APRIL 26, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy, at the University of Nevada Reno, Washoe Medical Center, Circle of Life Hospice, Saint Mary’s Hospice of Northern Nevada and KNPB Channel 5 will host the Hospice Foundation of America's Seventh Annual National Bereavement Teleconference, "Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents, and Loss" moderated by Cokie Roberts of ABC News, will examine ways to help children and adolescents cope with loss. The program will offer insight and practical suggestions for those assisting young people with issues that include death, serious illness, divorce or other traumatic incidents. The community and professionals are invited to attend. Cost is $15.00 includes program, materials and lunch. CEUs will be provided for an additional $20.00 fee. To register, please call the Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy (775) 327-2309, before April 21, 2000.

On APRIL 28, 2000, Sanford Center for Aging, and the Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy, University of Nevada, Reno is offering a program and provide a forum for increased understanding of issues facing dying people and steps to begin caring end-of-life conversations. The program includes a discussion on the importance of advance care planning and spirituality of terminal illness. Keynote speakers include William Colby, Esq., and professor in law & bioethics from Kansas Law School. He represented the family for Nancy Cruzan and is currently writing a book on the Cruzan case. The conference is entitled “Assisted Suicide-The Death Debate: Taking Charge at the End of Life, Are You Ready?” Through lively panel debate this program will foster increased awareness and understanding of the many issues facing the dying and to improve end-of-life care. Cost is $95, includes lunch. Applications for CEU’s have been made for most professionals. To register or for more information please call the Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada Reno (775) 784-4774, before April 24, 2000.

MAY 31, 2000, has been proclaimed “It’s Okay to Talk About Death Day” by Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn to recognize and observe the importance of talking about and planning for a good death and to remind all Nevadans of their ability and responsibility to transform death into a subject openly discussed by all. The Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy in partnership with KNPB Channel 5, the State of Nevada Division of Aging Services, Nevada State Library & Archives and the Senior Citizen’s Law School, Inc. will offer this educational statewide program free of charge to the public entitled “What is a Good Death and How to Plan for It: You and Your Advance Directive." Many of us do not realize that we have the ability to plan for a good death in America. Statistics indicate that less than 10% of us will die suddenly while over 90% will die from a chronic or prolonged terminal illness; therefore, in most instances, we have time to plan for a good death. A team of professionals, including volunteer lawyers and health care providers will be available to present a seminar on Advance Health Care Directives and to assist attendees, throughout Nevada, in signing a “Declaration to Your Physician.” For more information on a location nearest you, please call the Nevada Center for Ethics & Health Policy at (775) 327-2309 or visit their website at www.unr.edu/ncehp.

SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2000 - RENO, LAS VEGAS
"On Our Own Terms," a major PBS series from Bill Moyers premieres in Fall 2000. Based on two years of research and production, this new 4-part series takes Bill Moyers to the front lines of the movement to improve end-of-life care and reports on the best models for change. Moyers documents remarkable human stories of the dying as they struggle to live their final days and to share their deepest wisdom. The series will explore the swirling controversies in law, public policy and medicine that are arising in response to efforts to change the experience of dying in America. Produced by Public Affairs Television, Inc. Presented by Thirteen/WNET in New York, and will be aired on KNPB Channel 5, Reno and KLVX Channel 10, Las Vegas.

SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2000 - LAS VEGAS
"Pain Management: Educating for a Healthy Future," American Academy of Pain Management 2000 Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada. Program includes sessions on Oriental Medicine, Behavioral Therapies, Pharmacology of Pain, and extensive EPEC Training. For more information, please call (209) 533-9744,e-mailaapm@aapainmanage.org or visit their website at www.aapainmanage.org.

OCTOBER 12, 2000 - LAS VEGAS and OCTOBER 13, 2000 - RENO
"What Is A Good Death? Let's Talk About It. . . ‘A Town Hall Meeting and Workshop for Community Members & Professionals.’” Through slides of their faces and through the telling of their stories – this program will present views of Americans on death and dying. Keynote speaker and author of "The Good Death: The New American Search to Reshape the End-of-Life," Marilyn Webb will examine the experiences of patients and families and gives crucial information about what made their final journeys better or worse. Myra Christopher, President and CEO of Midwest Bioethics Center in Kansas City, Mo., National Program Director of Community-State Partnerships to Improve End-of-Life Care, author and national speaker on bioethical issues will speak on the national movement to improve end-of-life care. Other topics will include, “A Time to Withhold Treatment: Issues & Values,” advance care planning and children’s issues surrounding death and dying.