Hospice of the Chesapeake

Hospice and Palliative Care in Prince George's County: A Free Community Roundtable
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD, 20715, United States
There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding hospice and palliative care. Everyone in the community can gain insight and get answers from the experts about these essential services when Hospice of the Chesapeake hosts a community roundtable, “Hospice and Palliative Care in Prince George’s County,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Student Center at Bowie State University, 1400 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, Maryland.
The panel will include multiple Hospice of the Chesapeake experts including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marny Fetzer and will be moderated by Director of Nursing and Clinical Advocacy Rachel Sherman, DNP, FNP-BC. Also joining the panel will be Dr. Alvin Reaves III with U.S. Acute Care Solutions; Jacqueline Hill, PhD, RN, CNE of Bowie State University; Prince George’s County District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison; Maryland State Senator Michael Jackson; and Chaplain Robin Walker, MDiv., BCC, of the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.
Sherman is looking forward to facilitating this discussion about a topic that she is passionate about in the county she calls home. “I have advocated for health equity in Prince George’s County for my entire professional life,” she said. “Being in a leadership position with a respected organization known for its hometown roots offers more opportunities to help educate the community about the importance and availability of advanced illness and end-of-life care for themselves and their families.”
The community roundtable is open to the community and free to attend, but as seating is limited, people are asked to reserve a space at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prince-georges-county-community-roundtable-discussion-tickets-732217200357.

Dementia Live Coach Training with AGE-u-cate Founder and Owner Pam Brandon
2023-11-15 09:30 - 15:30 | Hospice of the Chesapeake – John & Cathy Belcher Campus, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD, 21122, United States
Earn certification as a Dementia Live Training Coach and get it through the expert guidance of AGE-u-cate Founder and Owner Pam Brandon.
Since its inception in 2015, the Dementia Live Program has touched the lives of over 2.5 million individuals, enriching their knowledge and cultivating a deeper sense of compassion for those living with dementia.
By immersing individuals in the challenges and realities of dementia, the Dementia Live program sparks a profound transformation in their understanding and empathy.
Pam is a passionate advocate for embracing positive change in aging care and believes the power of experiential learning transforms attitudes and actions necessary to improve the quality of lives for people living with dementia.
We are proud to offer people in the community this opportunity to become a certified Dementia Live Training Coach. The cost for this course is $225. For details, email info@hospicechesapeake.org.

Dementia 101: Understanding and Supporting
2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Charter Senior Living of Bowie, 7600 Laurel Bowie Road, Bowie, Maryland
Join Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Miriam Rendon-Ponce and our care partners at Charter Senior Living for an enriching morning filled with valuable insights and connections at this community event. Discover dementia-friendly insights, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and benefit from dementia screenings. Together, let’s support our loved ones and foster a more inclusive and understanding community.
Please RSVP to Stephanie at marketing@charterbowie.com

Having Courageous Conversations
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Greenbelt, Maryland
The presentation will cover the challenges of transitioning from curative treatment to comfort care, and the advantages of early referrals for better patient and family support and crisis prevention.

Miriam is a professional business liaison for Hospice of the Chesapeake. She has six years of experience as a medical assistant and is pursuing a degree in Social Work BSW from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She partners with healthcare providers and volunteers for various organizations.

March 14th, 2024
7pm – 8pm

Registration Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi…/7698979865149150045

In partnership with Greenbelt CARES and DFA Northern Prince George’s County

Emily Schindler Memorial Lecture
2024-09-20 09:30 - 12:30 | Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD, 21146, United States
Chesapeake Life Center invites the community to the 19th annual Emily Schindler Memorial Lecture, “Joyful Palliative Care: A Humanistic Approach to Connecting with Your Seriously Ill Patients,” presented by Delia Chiaramonte, MD, MS. The lecture will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in the Fellowship Hall at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, Maryland.
Caring for families facing aging or illness can be both meaningful and stressful, and holding space for other people’s suffering without actively taking care of your own wellbeing can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. In this session, you will learn how to develop your healing presence, master heart-centered communication, and actively take care of you, so you can fully show up for both your patients and yourself.
This annual lecture was created in 2005 through a gift to the Schindler family from the Saint Agnes Cancer Center. Emily Schindler was an 18-year-old freshman at Frostburg State University and a member of the SPY swim team in Severna Park, Maryland, when she was tragically killed in a car accident in 2004.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and a light breakfast will be provided. Maryland Board social workers can earn three Category 1 continuing education credits. The cost is $20. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at https://education.hospicechesapeake.org/item/2024-schindler.
For details, call 888-501-7077 or email griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org.

Dementia Live: An Experience for Professional & Family Caregivers
2024-11-06 13:00 | Burnett Center for Hope & Healing, 4559 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick, MD, 20774, United States
Dementia Live Program: An Experience for Professional & Family Caregivers

In collaboration with Hospice of the Chesapeake, the Calvert County Office on Aging provides a free, unique inside-out understanding of dementia and the aging process.

Through the use of specialized gear in a safe setting, participants will gain a heightened awareness of the challenges associated with living with dementia through this real-life simulation experience.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 6
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Burnett Center for Hope & Healing (4559 Sixes Road, Prince Frederick)
Fee: Free!

How to register:
Contact Lisa Caudle at the Office on Aging at 410-535-4606, Ext. 8755, or email lisa.caudle@calvertcountymd.gov

Community Roundtable Discussion on Hospice & Palliative Care
2024-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Tree of Life Christian Ministries Center, 9109 Piscataway Road, Clinton, 20735, United States
There are numerous myths and misconceptions about hospice and palliative care. The community has an opportunity to learn more and receive answers from experts during the “Hospice and Palliative Care Community Roundtable,” hosted by Hospice of the Chesapeake.
This is the second time Dr. Rachel Jordan, Director of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs, has organized this community panel and will once again be its moderator. Jordan is passionate about the importance of access to community health, especially in the county she calls home. “I’ve spent my entire career advocating for health equity in Prince George’s County,” she said. “Along the way, I have made connections with many of the region’s health and civic leaders and organizations. We have found that together we can better educate our community about the importance and availability of advanced illness and end-of-life care.”
The panel will feature Hospice of the Chesapeake experts including Dr. Sonja Richmond, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Hospice Medical Director and Jennifer Ward, Bereavement Counselor, as well as Dr. Tom-meka Archinard, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for University of Maryland Capital Region Health; Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair and District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison; and the Rev. James Robinson, Pastor, Tree of Life Christian Ministries.
The roundtable is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend, but people are asked to reserve a space at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-roundtable-discussion-on-hospice-palliative-care-tickets-1034888217517.

Hospice and Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Heart Disease, from Diagnosis to Death
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:30
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death, yet conversations around end-of-life care for cardiac patients often come too late. This course will explore the full continuum of hospice and palliative care for cardiac patients—from diagnosis through decline to the final days of life—emphasizing a whole-person approach that honors the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of patients and families.

In this online class offered through Hospice Foundation of America, Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Dr. Sonja Richmond and Chaplain Annie Smith will speak of the crucial role of medical professionals and spiritual care at the bedside, especially in addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and loved ones navigating uncertainty and loss.

1.5 Professional CE hours included with registration.

Click here for details and to register.

https://hospicefoundation.org/hfa-product/hospice-and-palliative-care-for-patients-with-advanced-heart-disease-from-diagnosis-to-death/

Managing Pain, Neuropathy, and Fatigue at the Tate Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center
2025-07-16 17:00 - 18:00 | University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 305 Hospital Drive, GLen Burnie, MD, United States
This session will explore effective strategies for managing chronic pain, neuropathy, and fatigue, which are common challenges faced by cancer survivors. Led by Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marny Fetzer, the session will highlight how hospice and palliative care specialists play a crucial role in pain management and addressing the symptoms of neuropathy and fatigue. Participants will learn about supportive care options that can improve comfort and quality of life during recovery.
This session will include:
• Subject matter expert-led presentations on survivorship topics (survivors and/or professionals)
• Interactive activity/exercise designed for oncology patients
• Interactive Q&A and peer discussion
Details
When: Wednesday, July 16th from 5-6PMWhere: Hybrid (in-person at hospital & virtual)The 1st Floor Tate Conference Center (305 Hospital Drive Glen Burnie, MD 21061)Who: Open to all cancer survivors, caregivers welcome
Click here to register: https://app.smartsheet.com/…/2202ac579df24b558161b36096…
For Questions Contact: Lyndsey Griffin
lyndsey.griffin@umm.edu or 410-595-1504

Emily Schindler Memorial Lecture: Motivational Interviewing for Medical Decision Making
2025-09-12 09:30 - 12:45 | Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD, 21146, United States
Chesapeake Life Center invites the community to the 20th annual Emily Schindler Memorial Lecture, “Motivational Interviewing for Medical Decision Making,” presented by Christopher Wirt, LCSW-C. The lecture will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in the Fellowship Hall at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, Maryland.
When someone is seriously ill or nearing the end of life, they and their loved ones often face tough medical decisions that can bring up a lot of emotions and uncertainty. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practical, evidence-based approach for helping people resolve ambivalence and clarify their values in a way that guides them toward positive change and growth.
This interactive session will introduce the basics of MI—what it is, how it works and how to use it. Wirt will demonstrate how MI can be especially helpful in hospice, palliative care, and hospital settings, and offer opportunities to participants for skill development. By learning how to listen deeply, ask the right questions and build trust, professionals can discover how MI can make challenging conversations more meaningful and supportive for patients and caregivers.
The annual lecture was created in 2005 through a gift to the Schindler family from the Saint Agnes Cancer Center. Emily Schindler was an 18-year-old freshman at Frostburg State University and a member of the SPY swim team in Severna Park, Maryland, when she was tragically killed in a car accident in 2004.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and a light breakfast will be provided. Maryland Board social workers can earn three Category 1 continuing education credits. The cost is $30. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at https://education.hospicechesapeake.org/item/2025-schindler.
For details, call 888-501-7077 or email griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org.
About the presenter:

Christopher Wirt, LCSW-C, is the Executive Branch Director with Bethany Christian Services where he oversees efforts to serve children and families in Maryland and Virginia, including programs working with children who are unaccompanied refugee migrants, as well as infant and foster care adoption services.
Since 2018, he has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), an international organization committed to promoting excellence in training of Motivational Interviewing (MI). Wirt has offered MI training to a wide variety of professionals across the country and has presented on MI at national conferences.
Wirt’s direct practice experience includes 16 years of working with children and families involved in the child welfare system, primarily in foster care and adoption services. He was a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Social Work for 12 years and currently teaches a graduate-level MI course at the University of Buffalo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and his master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland.
About Chesapeake Life Center
Chesapeake Life Center, a program service of Hospice of the Chesapeake, serves hospice family members and the community with bereavement services and activities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those grieving the loss of a loved one. For details, visit www.chesapeakelifecenter.org.
Chesapeake Life Center is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program. This training qualifies for Category 1 continuing education units.
