Blum Center News & Events

When we feel hungry, eating a good meal helps us feel nourished and satisfied. However, what happens when we lose our appetite? In this session, we will discuss common causes of appetite loss, explore ways to make food more appealing, and review when it may be important to see a doctor.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Speaker: Cara McNally, BSN, RN, MEd

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual Option:

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Join us for a gentle flow yoga class. Led by yoga instructor, Emily Combias, this afternoon session is a slow-paced yoga practice that connects breath with movement, focusing on relaxation, balance, and body awareness.

Please bring your own mat and towel.

This session is free and open to everyone of all levels and abilities.

Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM ET

Instructor: Emily Combias, BSN, RN, RYT-200

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

This in-person session invites participants to explore creativity as a pathway to mindfulness, using focused attention to enhance presence. Participants will engage in a reflective creative exercise through mindful drawing or observation of natural elements, with opportunities to explore with flowers and botanical objects.

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Speaker: Carmen Alvarez, MHA, Reiki Master
Carmen is a certified Positivity and Relaxation Response Training Facilitator by the Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine. She is also a certified Workforce Mindfulness Facilitator by the Mindful Leader™ and a certified SKY Wellness Coach by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV). Carmen is also a certified Reiki Master and has served as a Reiki Therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA since 2018. Carmen serves as the Director of Physician & Patient Engagement at Mass General Brigham International Patient Services, with attention to Latin American Markets, and she is a member of the Workforce Well-Being Collaborative Board at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Interested in learning how diet impacts energy, performance, and recovery when working out? Join Leah Capomaccio as she discusses the role of macronutrients (like protein), vitamins, minerals, and hydration in athletic performance. She will review proper fueling for a variety of activities, including marathon training tips, and will debunk some common nutrition myths.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speaker: Leah Capomaccio, MS

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

This session shares tips for managing someone else’s finances and preparing for future care costs.

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

About the Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia: The Caregiver Education Series

Learn, connect, and feel supported in this monthly education series offered in collaboration between the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and the Alzheimer’s Association®. This series is designed to empower caregivers with the confidence and skills to care for someone living with dementia.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Upcoming dates:

• Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 3 PM – 5 PM
• Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

This session, grounded in The Arc’s lived‑experience expertise, will offer patients and families practical strategies to support care for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will explore communication approaches, ways to partner effectively with your care team, and strategies to reduce diagnostic overshadowing. This MGH Disability Education Series session will also cover supported decision‑making, tips for a smoother transition from hospital to home, and information about community‑based supports.

Real-time automated captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. For more information or to request special accommodations, email the Blum Center or call 617-724-7352.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

Speakers:
Maura K. Sullivan, MPA, The Arc of Massachusetts
Jonathan Gardner

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual Option:

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 3 PM – 5 PM

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Upcoming dates:

• Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

August sessions:

• Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Upcoming dates:

• Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 4 PM – 6 PM
• Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 11 AM – 1 PM

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Navigating today’s complex healthcare environment can be challenging for a hard of hearing or Deaf person—especially when effective communication isn’t in place. This MGH Disability Education Series session will highlight practical strategies and resources that empower patients and family members to advocate for accessible medical care. Participants will gain tools to communicate with greater confidence and partner more effectively with their care teams.

Real-time automated captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. For more information or to request special accommodations, email the Blum Center or call 617-724-7352.

Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST

Speaker: Jonathan O'Dell, ALB, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual Option:

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

This MGH Disability Education Series session will provide attendees with practical strategies to support individuals who are blind or have low vision. Participants will gain a better understanding of the emotional and identity-related impacts of vision loss and learn best practices for communication and low-cost adaptations. We will highlight key services offered through the Carroll Center for the Blind and other community agencies, along with referral pathways. We will also discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration between hospitals and community organizations to improve patient outcomes and continuity of care.

Real-time automated captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. For more information or to request special accommodations, email the Blum Center or call 617-724-7352.

Time: 2 PM – 3 PM EST

Speaker:
Tina Laffer, MA, MEd, CVRT
Carroll Center for the Blind

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual Option:

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.