Living With Dying

Milwaukee, WI, 2000

End-of-life health care is a complex and difficult subject. In discussions between the staff of the Medical College of Wisconsin and WUWM, it became apparent that there was a great need to heighten the public's awareness and understanding of the issues and choices surrounding end-of-life care. In most instances, confusion existed over “what are the pertinent questions” to ask on the topic. This project provided a conduit for community-wide debate, discussion, understanding, and participation in helping formulate end-of-life health-care practices, policies, and procedures for all Wisconsin citizens.

News reports and interviews explored topics such as palliative care and the innovative programs and equipment currently being used; legal issues, such as power of attorney; the impact of managed care on end-of-life health-care decisions; and training programs for doctors, nurses, and the clergy in dealing with end-of-life health-care decisions.

Two public forums were hosted on end-of-life issues focusing on caring for the aging and planning for advance care. By bringing together medical, social service, religious, advocacy, insurance, and support group communities, an exciting open dialogue ensued, benefiting and informing those who attended.

Both WUWM and the Medical College of Wisconsin utilized the Internet to strengthen their programming and outreach impact. WUWM features all of its audio reports on its Web site, along with information on available printed support materials and links to Medical College of Wisconsin's Web sites, the Wisconsin Coalition to Improve Palliative Care, and Ruth Hospice, thus adding another far-reaching dimension to the collaboration.

The combined resources, strengths, and expertise of WUWM and the Medical College of Wisconsin fuel a powerful alliance that is having an immense community-wide, and even statewide, impact on the discussion of end-of-life care, easing the fears this community has about the end of life by heightening community awareness and validating the dialogue.

Contact Information

WUWM-FM
Dan Sprehe, Reporter
Tel: 414-270-1166

Medical College of Wisconsin
Toranj Marphetia, Director of Media Relations
Tel: 414-456-4700

Awards:

WUWM Round Two
Excellence in Broadcasting Merit Award, Community Affairs Activity
— Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
Honorable Mention, Report or Series Contributing to the Community's Welfare category
— The Milwaukee Press Club