ADVOCACY

Bereavement Care is Healthcare

Grief is a public health matter, with profound implications for the social and economic well-being of families, communities, and the professionals that care for them. 

We aim to raise awareness and work towards policy change and practice for a more comprehensive, coordinated system of bereavement care to ensure grieving families and their communities are met with sensitivity and responsiveness. We are advocating for the needs of grieving families and ensuring the development of compassionate, grief-informed communities of care for all.

Bereavement is a major driver of many health inequalities by race and socioeconomic status that continue to challenge families for years following the death event.  

RESEARCH

Making the Case

WHY IT MATTERS

Grief Statistics

1 in 12 Illinois Children

has experienced the death of a parent or sibling by age 18; nearly doubles by age 25

Under Age 50

Sudden and unexpected deaths are the leading cause of death for those under 50

1 in 5 Bereaved Children

will experience the death of a parent from overdose

93% of Educators

agree that childhood grief should be addressed in schools; only 15% of educators feel equipped to support children who are grieving.

Firearms

are the top cause of death for ages 1-24 yrs (accidental, suicide, and homicide)

1 in 4 Young People

who died by suicide were bereaved, mostly recently bereaved