It's Time To Talk

In life we prepare for everything…college, marriage, children, retirement. But we seldom talk about preparing for the end. Planning for end-of-life care is as important as all the other life plans people make. However, few people know their end-of-life options and still fewer have discussed their wishes with their doctor and family.

“Start the Conversation” is a public education initiative sponsored by Vermont’s Non-profit Visiting Nurse Associations, Home Health, and Hospice agencies in partnership with the Vermont Ethics Network to encourage you to know your end-of-life care choices, talk about your wishes with loved ones and doctors, and put your plans in writing.

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Personal Stories

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Ursula McVeigh, MD

Fletcher Allen Palliative Care Specialist

Zail Berry, MD

A prominent Vermont leader in the field of Palliative Care. Opportunity to hear from Dr. Berry!

News

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A Chittenden County Program Helps Pregnant Addicts Become Successful Moms

Ask N.B. to recount the lowest point in her life and she doesn’t have to stop and ponder. In October 2006, the Jericho native recalls, the father of her child had kicked her out “for the 50th time.” An intravenous drug habit had withered her down to 85 pounds, and both her arms were bruised, from wrists to shoulders. Then she discovered she was pregnant again. read more

Flu Shot or Not? State Health Officials Warn Against "Alarmist" Reaction to Young Girl's Death

Nicole and Justin Matten of Barton have lived every parent’s worst nightmare. On December 2 their 7-year-old daughter, Kaylynne, visited her physician for an annual checkup. She got a flu shot. The next day, she developed a bad headache and fever. On December 6, the normally happy and healthy girl, who had no previous history of chronic health problems or adverse reactions to vaccines, turned blue, stopped breathing and died in her mother’s arms. read more