February 16, 2001

MGH Cancer Center's HOPES Program seminars
The MGH Cancer Center's HOPES (Helping our Patients and Families through Education and Support) Program will offer "Fear of Death: Spiritual Resources," facilitated by Rev. Michael McElhinny, Feb. 21, noon to 1 pm. Paula Rauch, MD, will present "Parenting in Challenging Times: A Drop-In Support Group for Parents,"   Feb. 27, 11 am to noon. Both events will be held in the Cancer Resource Room on Cox 1. Seminars and drop-in support groups are free, and no prior registration is required. For more information, call the Cancer Resource Room at 724-1822 or the HOPES Program at 72-HOPES.

Psychiatry Grand Rounds speaker
The Psychiatry Department will host a special Grand Rounds session March 1 at noon in the Ether Dome. Ezra E.H. Griffith, MD, deputy chair for Clinical Affairs and professor of Psychiatry and African-American Studies at Yale University School of Medicine, will discuss "Race and Excellence: My Dialogue with Chester Pierce." An informal lunch in the Hackett Room on Bulfinch 3 will follow.

Bald is Beautiful Ball
The MGH Cancer Center will hold its annual Bald is Beautiful Ball March 23, 7 pm to midnight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cambridge. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and an auction hosted by Kim Carrigan of Channel 7 News. Black tie is optional. All proceeds will benefit the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Gift Fund. Tickets are $75 in advance. For more information or to RSVP by Feb. 28, call the Cancer Center at 726-5600.

Blood donor giveaway
All employees who donate blood at the MGH Blood Donor Center before March 1 will receive a free long-sleeved blood donor T-shirt. The donor center is located on the first floor of the Gray/Jackson Building, and is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, call 726-8177.

Women and Addictions Awareness Week
The West End Clinic and the MGH Social Services Department invite the MGH community to observe Women and Addictions Awareness Week, March 5 to 10. MGHers can stop by an informational table March 7, 10 am to 5 pm in the Main Corridor to view a video highlighting women's stories of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Schwartz Center Caregiver Award
The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center currently is accepting nominations for the annual Compassionate Caregiver Award, which recognizes Massachusetts caregivers who display extraordinary kindness in caring for patients. Any professional caregiver who interacts directly with patients, in any setting, is eligible for the award. The winner will receive a $5,000 monetary prize. Nominations will be reviewed by a statewide committee of physicians, nurses, social workers, community health center workers, patient advocates and consumers. The award will be presented at the Schwartz Center's annual dinner this fall. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling 724-6416, or by visiting http://www.theschwartzcenter.org. All nominations must be received by April 9.