If you’ve scrolled through your Facebook feed, you’ve undoubtedly seen posts about Brittany Maynard, the brave young women who ended her life last Saturday. 

The circumstances surrounding her death are devastating, and have stirred a nationwide response.

This spring, 29-year-old Brittany was diagnosed with a form of terminal brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme.

In April, Brittany’s oncologist told her she had six months to live. Using Oregon’s Death with Dignity Law, Brittany made a plan to end her life surrounded by friends and family including her new husband. 

The Death With Dignity law required Brittany to administer the drugs herself as prescribed by her physician. Alan Meisel, a bioethicist at the University of Pittsburgh, states this policy as “buying an insurance policy against a miserable death”. Read Brittany’s personal essay on CNN here. 

While the laws and decisions are controversial, everyone deserve a painless death. Share your thoughts below. 

Join the Health Outreach Baltimore (HOB) team for next semester! HOB is a group of students within Students for a Healthy Baltimore (SHB). You need to apply for HOB but ANYONE can join SHB! 

Application: http://goo.gl/2x47OR
Priority Deadline: Wednesday December 3rd
See our Facebook page here!

Who are Students for a Healthy Baltimore?
Students for a Healthy Baltimore (SHB) is a UMBC organization comprised of students who want to see a healthier Baltimore. We spread awareness by bringing in speakers and hosting events about the health of Baltimore City. The organization is made up of committees on campus to work on specific projects such as immigrant outreach, resource development, community events, campus events, and web/social media development. We work to educate the UMBC community about social and health disparities. Anyone can be involved with SHB- we just need students who are passionate about social and health justice.

What is Health Outreach Baltimore?
Health Outreach Baltimore (HOB) is a group of students within SHB. There is also a group of students in HOB from Loyola in Baltimore. We are supported by the Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene. This selected-group of students fulfill the vision of SHB by going into Baltimore Medical Systems at St. Agnes Hospital and assisting patients. HOB members spend a minimum of three hours a week in the clinic helping patients get connected to social services like food stamps, housing assistance, education programs, etc. 

I want to be a part of HOB, what should I know?
Members of HOB are required to spend three hours a week at BMS assisting patients. (BMS is ~10 minutes from campus). There is also a required weekly meeting every Wednesday from 6:00-7:00pm. Your responsibilities will also include keeping in contact with your clients approximately twice a week.

Why should I join HOB?
HOB is an amazing opportunity to work with patients, and learn about the health system in Baltimore and the United States. You directly work with patients, and can make a huge difference in individuals’ lives.

Who should apply for HOB?
Anyone who cares about social and health justice. You also must be able to go into the clinic three hours during the weekday, come to weekly meetings at Wednesday at 6:00-7:00pm, and be willing to spend 1-2 hours a week staying in contact with your clients. We also need fluent Spanish speakers.

But I don’t have transportation to BMS!
Have no fear- apply anyway! When you go to BMS, you will most likely be working with someone else. We can plan carpools and public transportation to get you to the clinic.  

I have more questions!
Please feel free to email us at UMBCshb@gmail.com.