JACKSON, TN (January 6, 2014) — Jennifer McBride, MA, FT, DM, is the founder of the HeartLight Center in Denver, Colorado and Grieflink, a worldwide resource to help people find grief support and education. She was on the front lines in helping to care for the families of seven who died at Columbine High School as well as seven who were killed in the Aurora theatre shooting. Since 1996, Jennifer has served as a “bridge” to individuals and families, helping them to assess their needs in regard to the process of grief, and connecting them with the broad network of support within the Denver metro area. She is one of two Vice Presidents and employee-owners at Horan & McConaty in Aurora, Colorado.
Friday, January 24th at 7:00p.m, families who have lost a child will gather at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital to hear Jennifer address the unique grief associated with child-loss. Abby Lackey, local bereaved mother says, “It is always helpful to be in the presence of other parents who understand what it is like to lose a child. Child loss can be a very lonely experience. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with other parents.” In addition to the keynote speaker there will be facilitated breakout sessions and a memorial service to close the evening. Parents, grandparents, and other family members are all invited to this free community event.
Saturday, January 25th from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., healthcare professionals, law enforcement, clergy, counselors, and other first responders will have the opportunity to learn effective methods for communicating with and caring for families who have lost a child, as well as effective methods for managing their own grief. Local physician Ryan Roy views this conference as a valuable investment; “Even as professionals we unfortunately deal with different situations where children die, but many do not receive any training on this very sensitive issue. No one WANTS to attend a conference on this topic, but anyone that has ever been in a situation where they have faced the many issues involved with a loss of a child knows that they NEED a conference like this. This conference has been designed to help those who help others.”
Continuing education credit and training hours are available. Registration fee is $25 for the event on Saturday, January 25th and to register, go to https://www.regonline.com/whenourchildrendie. For additional information, call 731-426-1735 or 731-660-1185.
“When Our Children Die” is being sponsored by Ayers Children’s Medical Center, Arrington Funeral Directors, Heaven’s Cradle fund of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, and West Tennessee Women’s Center.
