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Blum Center Events

Learn about the latest news and events from the Maxwell and Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.

About the Blum Center

Located in the main Massachusetts General Hospital hallway, the Maxwell and Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center is a free resource to help you learn about health and illness. You will find a friendly and welcoming environment with Blum Center staff and volunteers available to help you find the health information you need. It is designed to be a relaxed and comfortable place for patients, families, and friends to access health information.
Our staff can:
  • Conduct health information searches for you on any healthcare topic
  • Send materials to you by email, mail, or deliver them to your patient room
  • Locate information in languages other than English
Our center includes:
  • Computer workstations with internet access
  • Photocopying for health-related materials
  • Assistive Technology Center
  • Television for patient education video viewing
  • Hospital Wi-Fi access
Our materials include:
  • Books and other health resources to use within our center
  • Patient education video titles to watch in our center
  • Handouts on a variety of health topics
  • Access to online journals and databases
How to contact us:

If you have any questions, you can call us at 617-724-7352.

You can also stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Free educational programs and events

In addition, the Blum Center hosts free educational programs and events several times each month for patients and families, focused on a variety of health and wellness topics. View all upcoming programs and events happening at the Blum Center both in-person and virtually.

September Events

Click on an event below to learn more:
Young Adult Recovery in Substance Use Treatment (September 8, 2026)

Join us in this Recovery Month session for a discussion on young adult recovery featuring Recovery Coaches with lived experience who share their recovery journeys. The session will explore pathways to recovery, available community resources, and challenges and barriers often faced by young adults in early recovery.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Speakers:
Brittany Deruosi, Senior Recovery Coach, ARMS Program

Matthew McGrath, Addiction Recovery Coach, BWFH ARP Program

Nadya Zaltsman, Certified Recovery Coach, North End Waterfront Community Health Center

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Move, Breathe, and Connect with Chair Yoga (September 11, 2026)

Join us for a gentle chair yoga session designed to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and relaxation. Using a chair for support, you will be guided through gentle movements, breathing exercises, and mindful stretches that can be adapted to accommodate a variety of abilities, mobility levels, and comfort needs.

Led by a Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions team member, this session is a great way to reduce stress, increase body awareness, and support overall well-being in a comfortable environment.

No special equipment is required. You will be seated in a chair for this session. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

This special session is offered through a collaboration between the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions' Community IMPACT Day—a beloved University tradition that brings all incoming students together for a morning of team-based community service.

Preventing Malnutrition During Cancer Treatment (September 14, 2026)

Are you or a loved one struggling with poor appetite during cancer treatment? Join us in this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session to hear expert insight from our registered dietitian who specializes in helping patients with cancer improve their nutrition.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET (Please note, this session duration is 30 minutes)

Speakers:
Martha Silva, MS, RD, LDN, and Taylor Klein, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitians, Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (September 15, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Navigating Healthcare as a Hard of Hearing or Deaf Person (September 17, 2026)

Navigating today’s complex healthcare environment can be challenging for a hard of hearing or Deaf person—especially when effective communication isn’t in place. This MGH Disability Education Series session will highlight practical strategies and resources that empower patients and family members to advocate for accessible medical care. Participants will gain tools to communicate with greater confidence and partner more effectively with their care teams.

Real-time automated captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. For more information or to request special accommodations, email the Blum Center or call 617-724-7352.

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET

Speaker: Jonathan O'Dell, ALB, Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Beyond Abstinence: Redefining Success in Substance Use Treatment with Harm Reduction (September 23, 2026)

In this Recovery Month session, we will explore the transition from abstinence-based models to harm reduction, focusing on innovative, person-centered strategies that redefine clinical success and improve engagement for substance use disorders.

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

Speaker: Jennifer Blewett, DSW, LICSW, DCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Worker, Assistant Director for Community Outreach and Engagement, MGH West End Clinic, Department of Psychiatry

Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Cholesterol and You: Simple Steps for Better Health (September 23, 2026)

What is cholesterol? Why do we need to fast before a cholesterol test? What do those numbers tell us about our health? Join us in this Wednesday Afternoon Learning for an engaging session where we will answer these common questions and explore practical strategies to help you keep cholesterol under control for better health.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Speaker:
Cara McNally, BSN, RN, MEd, Nurse Patient Educator, The Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

An Overview of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Services at Mass General Brigham (September 28, 2026)

In this Recovery Month talk, we will review Mass General Brigham's approach to substance use disorder treatment, including outpatient Bridge Clinics, office-based addiction treatment programs in primary care, inpatient Addiction Consult Teams, and teams based in the Emergency Department. Participants will gain a better understanding of the resources and treatments available in different care settings.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

Speakers:
Danielle Alves-Back, MD, Associate Director, MGH Program for Substance Use & Addiction Services

Anne Duckles, MD, Inpatient Lead, BWH and BWFH Program for Substance Use & Addiction Services

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

RecoveryWorks: Recovery-Oriented Vocational Support (September 29, 2026)

As part of Recovery Month, join us to learn about RecoveryWorks, a program that provides mentorship, career coaching, self-regulation skills training, and peer support to individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders throughout Massachusetts. Unlike traditional vocational support programs that prioritize rapid job placement, RecoveryWorks focuses on long-term career development and meaningful employment, offering individualized support for up to five years.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

Speakers:
Toby Lynch, PhD
Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry
Assistant Director for Psychotherapy Innovations, MGH West End Clinic
Head of Research & Development Committee, MGH RecoveryWorks

Joseph LaFratta, LMHC
Head of Mentors & Program Outreach
MGH RecoveryWorks

Estee Sharon, PsyD, MS
Clinical Psychologist, MGH Department of Psychiatry
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School
Founder & Director, Recovery & Relationship Enhancement Program, West End Clinic
Founder & Director, RecoveryWorks

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (September 30, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Care Is Closer Than You Think: Advancing Health Equity Through Community Connection (September 30, 2026)

This Recovery Month presentation explores why health equity and community partnership are essential to Mass General Brigham’s (MGB) approach to substance use disorder (SUD) care. We highlight the work accomplished to date—from strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to care to addressing barriers that disproportionately impact underserved populations. Together, these efforts demonstrate how community-connected, equity-focused strategies support MGB’s broader SUD goals and help bring care closer to the people and communities who need it most.

You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Speaker:
Jasmine Irvin, Health Equity Senior Program Manager, MGB Substance Use Disorder, Office of the Chief Medical Officer

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

October Events

Click on an event below to learn more:
Beyond Discharge: Supporting Patients Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision (October 6, 2026)

This MGH Disability Education Series session will provide attendees with practical strategies to support individuals who are blind or have low vision. Participants will gain a better understanding of the emotional and identity-related impacts of vision loss and learn best practices for communication and low-cost adaptations. We will highlight key services offered through the Carroll Center for the Blind and other community agencies, along with referral pathways. We will also discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration between hospitals and community organizations to improve patient outcomes and continuity of care.

Real-time automated captions and ASL interpreters will be provided. For more information or to request special accommodations, email the Blum Center or call 617-724-7352.

Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET

Speaker:
Tina Laffer, MA, MEd, CVRT
Carroll Center for the Blind

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

Virtual option: Attend the Zoom webinar

Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (October 20, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (October 28, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

November Events

Click on an event below to learn more:
Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (November 4, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (November 17, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

December Events

Click on an event below to learn more:
Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (December 9, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Open House Healing Event (December 16, 2026)

The Center for Comprehensive Healing (CCH), in partnership with the Small Steps Healing Project, is providing a pop-up healing event to the Mass General Brigham community.

This event gives patients, caregivers, and Mass General Brigham providers and staff the chance to try out integrative healing practices such as sound therapy, Reiki, and acupressure in a low-barrier, no-cost setting. With guidance from trained practitioners, attendees can explore different approaches to healing and discover what resonates with them.

We hope you will join us and take advantage of this opportunity to experience these healing practices firsthand.

Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis.

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Location:
Blum Center
White Building, First Floor
Room 110
Boston, MA 02114

For more information on the healing events, email the Center for Comprehensive Healing.

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Contact the Blum Center

The Maxwell and Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center is located on the Massachusetts General Hospital campus (55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114) in the White Building (First Floor, Room 110). It is near public transportation and accessible. The Center's hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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phone
617-724-7352
6177247352