Baptist Union County to host free luncheon to educate community about end-of-life issues

NEW ALBANY, MISS., March 2, 2017 – On Thursday, March 23 at noon, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County will host a free luncheon and discussion, open to the public, which aims to educate attendees about end-of-life issues including life planning and palliative care.

Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress.

The luncheon will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Matthew Rhinewalt, M.D., of Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic, will serve as the keynote speaker. Dr. Rhinewalt is board certified in palliative care, which focuses on choosing the care path you desire when a serious illness or end of life is eminent.

The luncheon is free, but pre-registration is required by calling 538-2613.

“Baptist Union County wants to serve as a resource for helping improve the overall health of this community,” said Walter Grace, CEO and administrator of the hospital. “Many of our community members are facing end-of-life issues for themselves, their spouses or parents. “We want to arm them with the best possible knowledge, so they may know their options and make an informed decision.”

Baptist Union County offers a variety of health care services, including adult and pediatric inpatient services, labor and delivery, outpatient and laser surgery and a 24-hour emergency room. Baptist Union County also offers imaging and laboratory services, including an American College of Radiology-accredited MRI machine.

For more information about Baptist Union County, please call 662-538-7631, or visit unioncounty.baptistonline.org.