Bereavement Program Support for Cancer Patients and Families
Bereavement support services are used to address the overwhelming psychosocial needs associated with grieving the death of a child or handling end of life situations. In 2022, Children’s Health developed a comprehensive bereavement program providing education, evidenced-based and creative support opportunities, and compassionate care for patients, families, staff, and the community.
With Children’s Cancer Fund’s support, the program has grown from one full-time program manager to four full-time staff members and a part-time coordinator who all work with and care for more families within the Gill Center. Working closely with a plethora of other supportive programs throughout the hospital, like Palliative Care, Spiritual Care, Social Work, Child Life and more, the Bereavement program has already made an incredible impact.
Program growth has allowed for the team to not only conduct ongoing support groups for siblings, parents, and extended family, but to also add a parental mentor program, family educational conference, conduct bereavement assessments for all patient families, provide support to team members and community members, and much more.