Jennifer Anne Rodriguez’s Post

DYING MATTERS AWARENESS WEEK: 6-12 May is Dying Matters Awareness Week, an annual initiative organised by the charity Hospice UK to get people talking about death, dying and grief. This year the theme - ‘the way we talk about Dying Matters’ - focuses on the language we use and conversations we have around death and dying. Hospice UK says: "Honest, timely conversations about death and dying are essential to good end of life care. Yet all too often barriers, including lack of confidence, taboos around discussing death, and confusion about who should be having these conversations mean patients, carers and families may not understand what is happening, or get all the information and support they need. The brilliant people who work in our 200+ hospices around the UK are experts in death, dying, and end of life care. So we’re asking them to share their tips and advice on how to start honest, transparent conversations about death and dying to help people feel informed, supported, and empowered at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. This Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re helping communities around the UK to come together to talk about having those end of life conversations, whether with their healthcare professionals – or families, friends and colleagues." Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dBis5Dcn #funeralplan #funeralplanning #dyingmatters #dyingmattersawarenessweek

Honor. Connection. Hope. Those words kept coming up as we worked with the VA/SAMHSA/SMVF TA Center team the last two days to get Tennessee’s veteran suicide prevention efforts reenergized. There’s some significant connotations in those three words. Honor isn’t about putting someone on a pedestal or spotlighting them for serving. It’s about avoiding the unfortunately common experience of being slapped with a label, with the most often heard being ‘hero’ or ‘victim’. It’s as simple as respectfully asking, “did you or a loved one serve?”, and then exploring any resources we can provide. Because it’s important we know we’re not alone. That we always have a lifeline to grab. It can’t just be a catchphrase or a cool slogan. It has to be real connection. It’s wonderful to have 500 social media connections…but do I have 5 friends who’d come get me if my car broke down on the way home from work tonight? Those connections are what prompt us to reach out when we’re approaching or in a moment of crisis. And that’s what provides the hope that we can get through whatever it is that’s put us in a tailspin. I’m exceptionally proud of the people who have joined us in this effort, and excited to see who else has resources and connections they’re willing to add so we can turn this trend around. For some reason the phrase “turn that frown upside down” just popped in my head…and it’s oddly appropriate! Got a technique or idea with which you’ve seen success in reaching service members, veterans, and their families at risk of suicide? Or with lethal means safety and planning? If so, drop me a note here or at christopher.lancia@tn.gov and let’s collaborate! MG Tommy H. Baker | BG Michael L. Scholes (USA, Ret.) | Monty Burks, MCJ, PhD., CPRS | Stephen Bell | Angela Wright #veteransuicideprevention #governorschallengeteam

Regardless of age, race, gender or socioeconomic background, suicide affects all of us! CHRIS 180's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. @Anne Cornell, PhD, LPC, sat down with @CW Atlanta TV WUPA-TV and @Keisha Lancelin to discuss the disturbing truth about suicide and how it devastates families and communities. Learn how you can prevent suicide in our final suicide prevention workshop using the link. https://loom.ly/YR0ARqs #Suicideawareness #Suicidepreventionmonth #Atlantanonprofit

It’s the final day of Dying Matters Awareness Week, so let’s take a look at how to talk about death and dying. 🗣“Do you have five minutes? Something’s been on my mind…” Talking about death and grief can be hard, and for many people it takes time to be ready to talk about their own plans, concerns or just to ask questions. There can be a lot of things to talk about, including: 👨⚕️ The type of care you’d like 🏠 Where you’d like to die 👩⚕️ How long you want doctors to treat you 🤍 The kind of funeral you’d like 📜 The details of your Will 🕯 How you'd like to be remembered Talking about death won’t bring it closer, and lots of families say it’s a relief to have the conversation and get everything into the open. It can help your loved ones cope better with the emotional and practical impact of death. Find out more about how to talk about death and dying in this leaflet from Hospice UK: https://lnkd.in/eZQ7czts 💬 How would you approach talking about death and dying with your family? Comment below and let us know. #DyingMatters #TheWayWeTalkAboutDyingMatters

Opening up those conversations about death can be difficult for both the person and those they want to talk to. 💙 Dying Matters Awareness Week is all about the importance of why talking about Dying Matters. It's often about simply breaking the ice and understanding how the individual feels. Some gentle prompts might include: 💙 Have you thought about planning for the future? 💙 Are you worried about death or dying? 💙 Do you know what you would like at your funeral, I know I would like...(this helps to normalize the conversation) 💙 Do you know where you would like to be cared at the end of your life? 💙 Have you got anything you would like to do before you die? 💙 What do you want to put in your Will? 💙 Is there anything you want people to know before you die? We often assume we know both what our loved ones would like, or we think our loved ones know what we would like, but this isn't always the case, and we don't actually know until we start having these open conversations about death. 🗣 It's so important to talk and normalize plans for the future and talk to our loved ones about what their or your needs, wishes, and desires are. Don't let it be too late, make sure you start having those conversations today. 😊 #DMAW2024 Hospice UK

Suicide prevention is the No. 1 clinical priority in VA. Read this article which captures powerful testimony from Zaneta Adams, J.D. about her personal struggle with #suicide. Then see what you can do to reach out to any #veterans in your sphere. #suicideprevention #VetsReachOut #suicidepreventionmonth https://lnkd.in/gTwYfz5f

As day one of Hospice UK’s Dying Matters week draws to a close, I was moved and inspired at an event today by how arts-based organisations use creative ways🪁 to build community and create space to facilitate discussions about death and dying, which culminated in a ‘death cafe’ (please don’t be put off by the name) at Mt Pleasant Eco Park Porthtowan. More about this to come… The national Dying Matters campaign works to open up honest conversations around death and dying. Each year during Dying Matters Awareness Week (6 -12 May 2024), communities are encouraged to get talking about death, dying and grief in whatever way, shape or form works for them. This year’s theme is ‘The way we talk about Dying Matters’. In my former role at Healthwatch Cornwall, and in co-producing the ‘My Life My Death’ report, people across the county shared their views and experiences on this subject: “I feel that death is not discussed enough. It is a process everyone goes through, but people do not plan for it. There is such fear around death and if people were more aware about the process of dying then this fear could be dispelled and people may understand that a good death free from pain, distress or agitation can be a beautiful moment. I feel passionately that people should be supported to have a good death and their wishes respected up to the end and beyond their death.” https://lnkd.in/etXrsANe As a society we need to be more comfortable talking about death and dying, not just for Dying Matters week, but throughout life. Having honest, timely discussions about what matters to people is so important.…. We live in inspiring, creative and compassionate communities - let’s keep talking and do more of this 🙏🏼🕊️ natalie.swann2@nhs.net https://lnkd.in/ekXdt397

Every 40 seconds, someone in the world loses their life to suicide. I know the devastating impact of those seconds all too well—I lost my brother to suicide. Today, I am reaching out to implore each of you to join the fight against this silent crisis. As we continue to navigate through our daily lives, many around us silently struggle with deep mental health challenges. My personal journey through loss has shown me just how crucial awareness, support, and intervention are in saving lives. Suicide is preventable, and it starts with us being there for each other—being the ones to say, "I'm here for you," before it's too late. I urge everyone in my network to get involved in suicide prevention. Whether it’s through educating yourself and others, volunteering, donating, or simply being a compassionate listener, your involvement can make a difference. Let us honor those we have lost by taking action and spreading hope. Together, we can change the narrative around mental health and create a supportive community that values every life. For resources and how to get involved, see the link below. Let’s make a commitment today to be part of the solution. Because every life is precious, and every second counts. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #BeTheChange

Do read this blog by Sam Southern & follow her updates #suicideprevention

Something needs to be done