Emmy Nominated “Being Mortal” Documentary to be Shown at Sarah Lawrence College

Yonkers, September 16, 2016 - The PBS Frontline documentary Being Mortal based on the book by surgeon, writer, and public health researcher Atul Gawande, will be shown at Sarah Lawrence College on Oct. 6 as part a program on end- of- life planning.

The screening of the Emmy nominated documentary about how doctors struggle to care for dying patients will be followed by a panel discussion on death and dying and how families can discuss the wishes and values of loved ones as they approach the end of life. The screening host is Westchester End-of-Life Coalition with Sarah Lawrence College (End-of-Life Care Program and Masters Program in Health Advocacy) as Community Partner along with Gramatan Village and Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care.

“With the population aging and young adults delaying parenthood, the gap between births and deaths is at its lowest in modern history,” said Rebecca Johnson, Director of Graduate Professional Studies for the college’s End of Life program. “While our healthcare system is good at prolonging life, we are not so good about preparing for death.’’

Christina Staudt, President Westchester End-of-Life Coalition, who will moderate the program said the Hospice Foundation of America selected her group to show the film, which is being presented in different locations as part of a grant from the John and Wauna Harman Foundation.

‘The advantage of these screenings and discussions is that members of the lay community as well as medical professionals become motivated and empowered to take concrete steps to bring up end-of-life conversations with each other,’’ said Staudt.

Aired on PBS in February 2015, “Being Mortal” follows Boston surgeon Gawande who shares experiences at the end of life from patients and his own family. Dr. Gawande published a national bestselling book by the same name.

The 55-minute film will be shown at 6:30 p.m., in the meeting room in the Esther Raushenbush Library and will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Staudt. The panel includes: Dr. Deborah Cappell, Medical Director of Palliative Medicine Services at NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital and a member of the End of Life Care Program Advisory Committee, Diana Diaz-Serafin, RN, MS, CHAPN, Director of Patient Services, Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care and Marlene Furtick, LMSW, Clinical Director Mount Vernon Office, Family Services of Westchester.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Registration to info@livewithcare.org is requested but not required.

About Sarah Lawrence College

Founded in 1926, Sarah Lawrence College is a prestigious, coeducational liberal arts college. Consistently ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country, Sarah Lawrence is known for its pioneering approach to education, for its long history of impassioned, intellectual engagement, and for its vibrant, successful alumni. For more information, please visit www.sarahlawrence.edu.