January 10, 2000

Urgent need for platelets
The MGH Blood Donor Center has an urgent need for platelet donations. Donors must make appointments by calling 6-8165 or 6-8171. The Blood Donor Center anticipates that this need will continue for the next two weeks.

Weight management class
The MGH Nutrition Service is offering its 10-week weight management class "Winning at the Losing Game." Classes meet Tuesdays, 5:15 to 7:30 pm, beginning Jan. 25. The class includes nutrition education, an exercise program supervised by a physical therapist and behavioral modification to assist with lifestyle changes. The class costs $225 for MGH employees. To register, call 6-2779.

Susan and Arthur Durante Award
The second annual Susan and Arthur Durante Award for Exemplary Care and Service with Cancer Patients will be given in April. The award recognizes nonphysician staff, including nurses, patient care associates, social workers, secretaries, dietitians, X-ray technicians and ambassadors. Award recipients will receive $1,000 for activities to promote their personal relaxation and respite. Nomination forms — which are available on patient care units, at the Gray and Cancer Center information desks and in the Cancer Resource Room — may be submitted by employees, managers, patients and families until Jan. 26. For more information, call 4-7306 or 4-3118.

Cutaneous Biology Research Center seminar
The Cutaneous Biology Research Center will offer "Novel functions for the a6b4 integrin in epithelial and carcinoma cells," Jan. 10, 4 pm, seventh floor auditorium of CNY Building 149. The seminar is presented by Arthur Mercurio, PhD, of the Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For more information, call 6-4183.

MGH Cancer Center HOPES seminars
The MGH Cancer Center HOPES (Helping Our Patients/Families through Education and Support) Program will present educational seminars for patients, families and MGHers. On Jan. 13, "Understanding Hospice as a Choice," facilitated by Sheryn Dungan, MSW, and Connie Dahlin, RNCS, MSN, of MGH Palliative Care, will be offered, 1 to 2 pm. On Jan. 19, "Coping with Fears of Death: Spiritual Resources," facilitated by Michael McElhinny, SM, of the MGH Chaplaincy, will be offered, noon to 1 pm. All seminars are held in the Cancer Resource Room, Cox 1. For more information, call 4-1822.

Clinical Research coordinator training session
The Clinical Research Program is sponsoring "Conducting Clinical Research Studies" presented by Lorraine Ellis, Feb. 10, 8:30 am to 5 pm at 185 Charles River Plaza, second floor, room 105. This program includes instruction in the drug development process, the roles and responsibilities of the research staff, the study initiation process, ongoing study activities, closing a study and FDA audits. This course is best suited for coordinators with less than six months experience. Registration starts at 8 am. For more information, call 4-2900.

Performance to benefit AIDS research
The opening night performance of "WIT," Feb. 1, 8 pm, at the Wilbur Theater in Boston, will benefit The David Brudnoy Fund for AIDS Research at the MGH, among other organizations. WIT is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a professor who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The performance, which stars Emmy-Award winner Judith Light, will be preceded by a reception and silent auction from 6 to 7:30 pm at Aria restaurant and followed by a question and answer session with cast members and two physicians. Tickets for the event are $150 ($62.50 is tax-deductible) per person and must be reserved by Jan. 21. For more information, call 4-6435.

Communication seminar
The Employee Assistance Program will offer "Building Healthy Relationships: Communication Differences Between Genders," Jan. 13, noon to 1 pm in the Wellman Conference Room. This workshop, presented by David Danzig, LICSW, will explore differences in communication styles between men and women. For more information, call 6-6976.