Blum Center Events
About the Blum Center
- 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
- Computer workstations with internet access
- Photocopying for health-related materials
- Assistive Technology Center
- Television for patient education video viewing
- Hospital Wi-Fi access
- 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
If you have any questions, you can call us at 617-724-7352 or email us.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Deaths from breast cancer have remained unchanged since the 1940’s. The Breast Imaging Division at Massachusetts General Hospital has been a leader in the early detection of breast cancer, and this has contributed to a major reduction in breast cancer deaths since 1990. There has been a great deal of misinformation about breast cancer screening over the decades. Dr. Daniel Kopans, one of the founders of the field that he named “Breast Imaging,” will provide the facts about breast cancer screening. He will discuss who is at increased risk for developing breast cancer and explore the evidence showing how screening can detect cancer early and improve outcomes. He will also address common myths and misconceptions about screening and highlight Massachusetts General Hospital's contributions to advances in breast cancer detection and the decline in breast cancer deaths in the United States.
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
Speaker:
Daniel B. Kopans, MD, FACR, FSBI, Founder, Breast Imaging Division, Massachusetts General Hospital
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.
What does it mean to fully arrive?
This opening session of the 2026–2027 Well-Being Series introduces the foundational connection between mind, body, and awareness. Through guided mindfulness, breath awareness, reflection, and gentle experiential practices, participants will explore how to pause, recognize their internal signals, and move from automatic reactivity toward greater presence and steadiness.
The series is designed as a progressive journey, with each session standing on its own while also building practical skills over time. New participants will find an accessible starting point, while returning participants will have opportunities to deepen familiar practices and experience them in new ways.
No previous mindfulness or meditation experience is needed.
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
Speaker:
Carmen Alvarez, MHA, Reiki Master
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.
Join us for an engaging evening session that empowers you and your loved ones with the knowledge to reduce stroke risk, recognize warning signs, learn about treatment, and take proactive steps to protect your brain and overall health.
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Speaker:
Angela Reddington, RN, MSN, SCRN, CNRN, Comprehensive Stroke Center Stroke Coordinator, Neurology
Have Questions About the Topic? Please submit your questions to us before the program, so that the speaker may address them during the session.
Join us for an engaging afternoon session that empowers you and your loved ones with the knowledge to reduce stroke risk, recognize warning signs, learn about treatment, and take proactive steps to protect your brain and overall health.
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
Speaker:
Angela Reddington, RN, MSN, SCRN, CNRN, Comprehensive Stroke Center Stroke Coordinator, Neurology
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.
Raynaud’s syndrome is a common symptom that can sometimes be associated with different autoimmune diseases. In this session, we will review the autoimmune disease associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon and the evaluation your doctors may perform if you have concerning features associated with Raynaud’s syndrome. Finally, we will review tips for managing symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome.
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
Speaker:
Laura Yockey, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Rheumatology
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.
Battling nausea during cancer treatment can be difficult. In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, the presenter will describe diet patterns and convenient recipes designed to fight nausea.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
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.
In recent years, fertility treatment has become increasingly prevalent and discussed on the national stage. As more people turn to this care to grow their families, the mental health and wellbeing of patients must be included in the conversation. In this talk, clinical social workers who support the Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fertility Departments at Massachusetts General Hospital will explore common themes for patients in treatment and consider strategies to support holistic wellbeing throughout care.
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:
Meagan Bernatchez, LICSW, MSW, MPH
Kate Ziegelstein, LICSW, MSW
Clinical Social Workers
Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fertility Departments
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.
This session will provide an overview of percutaneous cryoablation therapy, including what it is, how it works, and why it is used to treat breast cancer. We will also discuss who may be the best candidates for this new minimally invasive treatment pathway.
You can attend in person or join online. Space is limited on a first come, first served basis. No registration is needed.
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Speaker:
Janice Thai, MD, Breast Radiologist, Avon Breast Center, Radiology
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.
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
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.
In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, the presenter will discuss strategies for optimizing bone health through diet during cancer treatment.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
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
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.
Does food not taste the way you expect it to? In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, our registered dietitian will discuss opportunities and practical culinary strategies for managing taste changes during cancer treatment.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
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.
January Events
Has treatment made swallowing some food items difficult or painful? In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, our registered dietitian will discuss strategies and practical culinary tips for navigating difficulty swallowing during cancer treatment.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
February Events
The internet is full of misinformation related to diet and health. In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, our presenter will help you cut through the noise to discover diet patterns that support strength during cancer treatment as well as long-term heart health.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
March Events
Are dietary supplements useful for patients with cancer? That depends! In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, join our presenter for a discussion about building a diet pattern that meets all nutrient needs across the cancer care journey.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
April Events
Has your pattern of bowel movements changed during treatment? In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, our presenter will outline diet strategies to manage constipation and diarrhea during cancer treatment.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
May Events
Diet and exercise are powerful tools for improving strength, quality of life, and cancer treatment tolerance. In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, join our registered dietitian for a presentation about eating to support physical activity during treatment.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.
June Events
During cancer treatment, your nutrition goals may temporarily change. In this Nutrition During Cancer Treatment Education Series session, our registered dietitian will discuss diet patterns that are appropriate as you finish treatment and transition into life as a cancer survivor.
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:
Robert Dunn, RD, LDN, CNSC, and Martha Silva, MS, 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.