How to Improve Communication with Doctors: Wednesday, January 15, 1:00-2:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bennington, 108 School Street. Center for Communication in Medicine (CCM) founders Dr. Bernard Bandman and Celia Engel Bandman will offer a SpeakSooner program to help patients and family caregivers prepare for conversations with 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." We often find ourselves not understanding medical language and not knowing what questions to ask. The presenters will use the newly revised SpeakSooner: A Patient's Guide to Difficult Conversations to help participants identify and communicate questions and concerns they may have about treatment options, quality of life considerations and supportive care needs.

SpeakSooner programs help improve communication between patients, families and healthcare providers beginning sooner in the course of illness. Visit www.speaksooner.org to sign up for updates about SpeakSooner programs and read Celia's blog "A Medical Humanist's Notes." The workshop series is designed to honor people with disabilities. Participation is also open to their care givers and allies. Events are free, but registration is required to ensure enough materials and seating. These are scent- and chemical-free events. Light refreshments are served. To register or for more information contact Lynn Mazza, 802-442-1876, lmazza@VCIL.org