WHEREAS, there are approximately 2 million deaths in the United States each year that directly affect 10-12 family members (excluding good friends and close colleagues), thus having an impact on approximately 20 million people; and

WHEREAS, natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes in addition to traumatic deaths due to war, suicides, motor vehicle fatalities, and gang shootings touch countless lives and continue to have an impact long after the initial event; and

 

WHEREAS, grieving is a natural and normal response to death and other losses and is a healthy way for people to process their grief; and

 

WHEREAS, cultural traditions and religious institutions have historically recognized the need for community mourning rituals and individual grief expressions; and

 

WHEREAS, all persons are urged to be sensitive and supportive of their families, neighbors, friends, and colleagues who are adjusting to a significant loss in their lives; and

 

WHEREAS, a week set aside for grief awareness will enhance solidarity with our human mortality and our common need for mourning and healing and will promote spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health; and

 

WHEREAS, we urge all communities during this week to remember and support those who have experienced a significant loss in their lives; and to participate in community activities and educational events to increase their own knowledge of the grief process so that neighborhoods, faith communities, and workplaces can create a more supportive environment for those in grief;

 

A coalition of End-of-Life networks urges businesses, schools, faith communities, healthcare organizations, civic groups and neighborhoods to join us in observing November 1-7 as GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK, in recognition of every person’s right to grieve in the face of death and loss.