The Coalition for Dialogue on Death and Dying is pleased to submit this report to the Mid Coast community. Beginning its work in late 1995, the Coalition has produced the first comprehensive look at how dying persons, families, providers, and the general public perceive and experience death and dying in the region.

To carry out our work, the Coalition conducted personal interviews of dying persons and their families, provider focus groups, community and area-wide dialogues, organizational analyses of relevant organizations, and symposiums. We wish to thank the over 700 individual participants in the process and acknowledge the 1800-2000 persons reached by other means.

On the basis of this study, the Coalition issues a "Call to Action" to bring the full area-community to work on a series of actions to improve end of life experiences and the system of care in the region.