July 12, 1:00-3:00: How to Improve Communication with Doctors: Center for Communication in Medicine (CCM) founders Dr. Bernard Bandman and Celia Engel Bandman will present at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bennington at 108 School St. Here in Vermont and across the nation the need for open and honest doctor-patient communication has never been more urgent. Most of us prefer not to think or talk about serious illness. Yet, we or someone we love will be a patient someday and find ourselves overwhelmed and unprepared to communicate with doctors. The presenters will introduce the Difficult Conversations Toolkit, a guide developed by CCM to help patients and families identify and communicate questions and concerns about risks and benefits of treatment options, quality of life considerations and supportive care needs - beginning sooner in the course of illness.

SpeakSooner programs help improve communication between patients, families and healthcare providers. An attendee at a recent program said, “CCM offers the community a priceless gift. There is an overwhelming need and thirst for your expertise.” Visit www.SpeakSooner.org to access the Difficult Conversations Toolkit, read Celia’s blog “A Medical Humanist’s Notes.” and sign up for CCM news updates.

These is a scent- and chemical-free event. ASL interpreters will be present for this event. To register, for more information or to request accommodations, contact: Lynn Mazza, VCIL, 802-442-1876, lmazza@vcil.org