At GriefConnect, we believe well-informed consumers and colleagues are vital in providing exceptional care to the dying and bereaved. That's why in this section, you will find many of the organizations and web resources we depend on daily to help us gain understanding and to provide better care to the dying and bereaved. Please notify us if you discover links that are outdated or are aware of other links that should be provided here. 

 

Marian University has begun a new graduate program in bereavement and leadership, much of which can be completed online. This accredited degree joins together challenging academic rigor, respect for Judaeo-Christian values, and great convenience in the distance learning component, setting this program apart from many so-called graduate programs in bereavement. Bill Hoy teaches in the program.

 

The Compassionate Friends is a self-help group for families and communities after the death of a child. In addition to downloadable resource materials and announcements about TCF's conferences, you will also find links to local chapters and support groups for parents, siblings, and others who are grappling with a child's death.

 

Unfortunately, drunk driving is still a huge killer of people in the United States. In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people died in traffic crashes involving a driver with an illegal blood alcohol level, accounting for nearly 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The organization that has been at the forefront of reform and services for victims and their families is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

 

Aging with Dignity created "The Five Wishes," an advanced living will and advanced directive that helps people articulate how they want end-of-life care to be administered. The document is now valid in 40 states and moves beyond other advance directives by attending not only to medical treatment but to emotional, social, and spiritual issues, too.

 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid is the US government's website detailing provisions of healthcare for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. This site is especially helpful when determining benefit eligibility and coverage.

 

Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) is the leading organization for professionals engaged in various aspects of bereavement counseling and death education (thanatology). Members represent a diversity of disciplines, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, physicians, funeral directors, clergy, and educators. In addition to scholarly journals and newsletters, the site provides information about the association's annual conference and a link to find a counselor or other thanatology professional.

 

Selected Independent Funeral Homes is the largest association of independently-owned funeral homes, some of whom have been operated by the same family for four, five, or six generations. In addition to resource materials and helpful consumer information about funerals, users will find links to find a Selected-member firm nearby.

 

National Library of Medicine operates multiple resource websites with a diversity of materials. Professional resources, including abstracts of scholarly journal articles on a virtually every medical and mental health topic are best found at PubMed while consumer-oriented materials are best accessed through Medline Plus.

 

Suicide is one of the most complicated bereavements and the American Association of Suicidology provides resources for families, community members, and professional caregivers. Up-to-date research and resources are a hallmark of this site, as is the site's ability to link to local organizations for suicide support.

 

The Donate Life campaign spearheads the movement to encourage organ and tissue donation across America. One of the ways bereaved people "make sense" from otherwise senseless tragedies--like the car crashes that claim the lives of teens and young adults--is when those accident victims can become organ or tissue donors. Of course, the choice to donate a loved-one's organs is difficult at best, but the notion that part of a loved one "lives on" physically in the lives of others can be a huge benefit to bereaved family members and friends.

 

While not specifically related to bereavement or end-of-life care, several national organizations (and their local affiliates) provide outstanding resources for patients, family members, friends, and professional caregivers. Specifically, those who are dealing with (or caring for someone dealing with) cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, or diabetes will find great resources at the national organizations committed to these illnesses and conditions.

 

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization provides resources for those contemplating hospice care or wanting to learn more about hospice options. In addition to printable resources about a diversity of hospice, healthcare, and end-of-life issues, users will also find a link to find a NHPCO-member hospice in their community. NHPCO's website for patients and families, CaringConnections has excellent resources for consumers. Additionally, you will find a link allowing you to access advanced medical directives for your state, and if you wish, file them electronically at Google Health.

 

Victims of crime and the professionals and friends who care for them will find excellent resources at the nonprofit National Organization for Victim Assistance. Another great resource for this community is the United States government's Office for Victims of Crime.