Gallatin Valley Circle of Compassion invites community members to participate in their annual conference, Mountains of Courage: Conversations on Death & Dying. The single-day conference is designed to explore the end of life journey by providing a relaxed setting for individuals and caregivers to discover available resources, tools and information.
The conference will be held on Saturday, March 29th, at the Hilton Garden Inn from 9am–4pm. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. The registration fee includes lunch. Doors open at 8:30am.
Presenters and panelists will include health professionals, spiritual counselors, social workers, community support services and caregivers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore practical issues, emotions, myths and traditions and learn how to shift the current paradigm. They will learn about practical tools and resources to assist in making informed decisions when faced with end of life issues.
Keynote speaker Michael Fratkin, MD, FAAHPM will present “Humility & Healing: How Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Address Demoralization in Palliative & End-of-Life Care.” Dr. Fratkin, a compassionate palliative care pioneer, offers profound insights into navigating the emotional and spiritual challenges of serious illness, grief and approaching death. His work inspires a more thoughtful and healing approach to this often-overlooked part of life.
Other presenters include Suzanne O’Brien, leading a discussion about how to have a good death while reviewing her new book, The Good Death. Lorca Smetana will present ‘Human Resilience – Where Grief Wants to Meet Us.’ Join in-person and virtually as event hosts and participants courageously explore this important journey together.
The host for the conference is Gallatin Valley Circle of Compassion (GVCC), a volunteer group of local community members who are professionally and/or personally touched by the human experience of death and dying. Their mission is to connect, educate and support our community on matters related to death and dying. GVCC’s intention for the conference is that participants will feel empowerment, courage, a sense of calm and confidence, and the ultimate realization that one does not have to be alone on this journey.
Conference fees are $80 with VIP packages also on sale. Lunch is included in the cost. CEUs are available. Workshop information, additional conference details, and registration are available at www.gallatinvalleycircleofcompassion.org. •
