The Memorial Health Foundation will host a community event next month to explore how relationships between patients and providers shape care across the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“Conversations of Care: Exploring the Provider-Patient Relationship in Primary Care” is scheduled for May 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Center on Market at 328 2nd St. in Parkersburg. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Memorial Health System Department of Primary Care.

According to a release provided by Memorial Health Systems, the free event will bring together West Virginia-based primary care physicians and nurse practitioners for a discussion centered on trust, communication and relationship-building, and how those elements influence patient experiences and overall health outcomes. Organizers said the program is designed to be interactive, giving attendees an opportunity not only to listen but also to engage directly with providers about the evolving role of primary care in delivering effective and compassionate treatment.

Dinner will be provided during the event, and advance registration is required.

The evening will feature keynote speaker Heather Straight, executive director of physician services for Memorial Health System. A panel of regional providers will also participate in the discussion, including Michael Mauzy, Marcela Rugel-Aizprua, Joan Allman, Vickie Cox, Jason Barton, Christopher Edmands, Veronica Murphy, Stephanie Thompson and Leandrea Squires.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required by May 12. Those interested can register online at mhsystem.org/CareSeries or by calling 740-568-4175. Organizers encourage early registration as space may be limited.