Miles & St. Andrews Home Health & Hospice and LincolnHealth will host a screening and panel discussion of the PBS Frontline documentary “Being Mortal,” 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the Porter Meeting Hall at the Skidomphia Library in Damariscotta. All are welcome to attend this free event.

“Being Mortal” explores the hopes of patients and families facing terminal illness and their relationships with the physicians, nurses, and family members who care for them. The film follows medical journalist and surgeon Dr. Atul Gawande as he shares stories from the people and families he encounters. When Dr. Gawande’s own father gets cancer, his search for answers about how to best care for the dying becomes a personal quest.

Following the screening, audience members are invited to participate in a panel discussion with local experts on how to take steps to identify and communicate their wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences. The panel will be led by Dr. Rob Hunold who specializes in hospice and palliative care and has an active family medicine practice with Lincoln Medical Partners. Dr. Hunold serves as medical director of MSAHHH’s Hospice program.

“LincolnHealth encourages everyone to have important end-of-life discussions,” said Dr. Hunold. “This film illustrates the importance of thinking ahead and it highlights the importance of open communication between clinicians and patients about end of life planning. It is our role as healthcare providers to develop a relationship with our patients and families that allows them to be part of the healthcare team. It’s not easy talking with patients and families about death, but we’re getting much better at helping them understand all of their options so they can make informed decisions about how they want to live their lives.”

Dr. Hunold will be joined on the panel by Medical Social Worker Lisa Hammer and Registered Nurse Helen Weld. Both serve on MSAHHH’s hospice and palliative care teams. “We hope the film, coupled with a good interactive panel discussion will end with participants understanding the steps they can take to start having conversations with their loved ones and healthcare professionals,” stated Hammer. A variety of resources for those who wish to complete Advance Directives will be available at the event.

Pre-registration is required. Seating for this event is limited to 65 so all those interested in attending are encouraged to register as soon possible by calling Connie Jones at 563-4177 or by visiting www.lhseniors.coursestorm.com.