Grief, Loss, and Remembrance Program

The Office of Interfaith Pastoral and Spiritual Care at Children’s National Medical Center recognize that when a child dies, families need compassionate and skilled help in their journey through the grieving processes. It is the mission of the Grief, Loss, and Remembrance program to provide the following

Resources for Families
Outreach to Families
Remembrance Events
Counseling and Referrals
Education and Support for Staff

Resources for Families

Memory Boxes
Age-appropriate books for brothers and sisters to help them understand their sibling’s death
Books and print materials for parents, grandparents, and other family and friends

Outreach to Families

Sympathy cards
Birthday and anniversary cards
Bi-annual newsletter
Listserv for families to connect with one another and receive information
Seasonal mailings with information and memory-making activities

Remembrance Events

Annual remembrance/memorial service
Legacy of Love (in collaboration with other hospital disciplines) – a semi annual retreat day for families, activities based in spirituality and the arts

Counseling and Referrals

One-on-one grief support on community referrals for individual counseling and support

Education and Support for Staff

To ensure culturally and spiritually competent staff
To provide one-on-one, as well as unit-based support, during times of crisis and/or grief and loss

Contact
Janie Brooks, staff chaplain and coordinator of the Grief, Loss, and Remembrance program, room 4115, 202-476-5050. (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays)