Grief, Loss and Remembrance Program

Our Chaplaincy Services staff recognizes that when a child dies, families need compassionate and skilled help in their journey through the grieving process. It is the mission of the Grief, Loss and Remembrance Program to provide the following:

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
• See more Bereavement Resources

Outreach to Families

• Sympathy cards
• Bi-annual newsletter
• Phone call to families who have lost a child to determine further needs, provide counsel, listen and support
• Seasonal mailings with information and memory-making activities

Remembrance Events and Other Gatherings

• Annual remembrance/memorial service for families who have lost a child
• Fall and spring annual events to build community and support, held at the National Arboretum

Counseling and Referrals

• One-on-one grief support and community referrals for individual counseling and support
• Ongoing support group for Spanish-speaking families

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
• Memorial services for specific units who experience a significant number of deaths