The grief process is different for each individual. While some people find literature more helpful as they journey through grief, others may benefit from personal interaction. We have a number of options for interpersonal connection with others and instructor-led workshops tailored to donor families at various phases of the grief journey.
Bereavement Support Groups
Although LifeNet Health Donor Family Services does not offer support groups, many organizations throughout the state of Virginia do. To find a support group that serves your needs in the LifeNet Health service area or on a national basis click here.
Donor Families Listserve
Our “email support group” enables donor family members to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings with other donor families through a group email environment, 24/7, and to support one another in their grief journeys. For more information about the Listserve, click here.
Grief Companion® Program
Many of our donor families have told us that talking with another understanding donor family member who has experienced a similar loss can help fill a vital need for support and encouragement. And some of our longer-term donor family members want to offer this support and encouragement to help others on their journey through grief. To address this need, LifeNet Health has developed a unique service -- the Grief Companion® Program, which provides newly bereaved donor family members with someone to talk with about your journey through grief, someone who understands because they have been through their own. To learn more about the Grief Companion® Program and to request a certified Grief Companion, click here.
"Hands On" Workshops
We present a number of workshops to help LifeNet Health donor families to honor and remember their loved ones, such as our tribute album ("scrapbooking") retreats, Memory ("shadow") Box workshop, and others. To learn about these scheduled programs, visit our Calendar of Events.
Please Note: these interactive programs are available to LifeNet Health donor families only. Other organ and tissue organizations may have similar programs. Please contact the Donor Families representative at your organization to see if they provide similar services.
Grief Companion® is a registered trademark of LifeNet Health, Inc.