Comments Sought on End-of-Life Care

The Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care Hosts Town Hall Meetings to Hear Perspectives on End-of-Life Care

On seven consecutive Thursday evenings during the fall of 2007, the Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care worked in partnership with Maine’s Office of the Attorney General to host a series of Town Hall Meetings across the state. At each of these public meetings, State Attorney General Steve Rowe moderated lively and informative discussions about end-of-life care in Maine, as he encouraged local panelists and community members in each region to engage in dialogue with each other, and offer testimony about their respective experiences as healthcare consumers. During these meetings in Lewiston, Machias, Waterville, Bangor, Presque Isle, Damariscotta and Portland, the 225+ people who participated were asked to consider the following questions: How are we doing with end-of-life care in Maine? What is working well? What is missing? What conversations do we need to have? Who needs to be involved? Is pain being managed? Are wishes being respected?

Transcripts of the meetings have been created and a final report is anticipated in late spring. In an effort to capture a broader spectrum of community voices, we are inviting individuals who were not able to attend the town hall meetings to submit their questions, concerns and/or personal experiences on-line. These additional comments will be considered an addendum to the town hall meeting transcripts and a valuable contribution to the final report.

There will be a 30 day comment period beginning April 1, 2008 through April 30, 2008.

Please send your comments via email.

OFFICE INFORMATION

Comments Sought on End-of-Life Care

The Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care Hosts Town Hall Meetings to Hear Perspectives on End-of-Life Care