Recognizing bereavement as a national public health issue

Donna Schuurman, EdD, FT, Dougy Center’s Senior Director of Advocacy & Education, was among 20 national bereavement experts invited to Washington D.C. in June for a two-day meeting hosted by the Department of Health & Human Services.

The group was tasked with addressing the long-standing need for strengthening the Federal Government’s system of support for people who are grieving, and recognizing the need for quality bereavement care as a public health issue.

“I appreciated the dialog around how to best support people who are grieving,” Donna said. “I look forward to seeing these ideas and the topics we discussed develop into meaningful bereavement care.”

Dougy Center continues to be called upon as a national thought leader, advocating on behalf of children and families who are grieving. We will continue to provide updates to this important work as it progresses. 

Dougy Center partners with Urban Gleaners to provide food donations for participant families

After the death of a family member, many of Dougy Center's participants report increased financial strain, and 31 percent of our families live below the poverty level. For these reasons, Dougy Center's grief support programs have always been completely free to families.

And now, as part of a new partnership with Urban Gleaners, a non-profit organization in the Portland area, Dougy Center families can also receive perishable and non-perishable food when they come to groups this summer.

"Urban Gleaners has been a natural fit for Dougy Center and the families we serve," said Brennan Wood, Dougy Center's Executive Director. "We are thrilled to be able to provide food for those who need it this summer, and appreciate this support from our community."

Find more about Urban Cleaners here.