   |
ProgramsEnd-of-life expenses such as funerals and burials can cost up to $2,500 for an infant, and most parents are not prepared for this expense. ANA's SEOLE and GRASP programs help families address these costs. The Securing End-of-Life Expenses (SEOLE), pronounced “soul,” program provides needy families assistance with autopsy, funeral, burial and cremation expenses. If approved, funding is sent to the service provider (i.e. funeral home), not directly to the family. Families seeking therapeutic intervention can request assistance through the Grief Recovery Assistance Program (GRASP), which provides funding for uninsured and underinsured families pursuing counseling services to work through the grief of stillbirth. Another goal of the ANA is to raise money for research. The ANA hopes research will lead to a better understanding, and a decrease in the occurrence of stillbirth. ANA dispersed its first research grant in February 2008. CARE CARDS©
ANA Care Cards© are designed to help families, friends and coworkers in their attempts at supporting families of stillborn children. These pocket-sized cards provide suggestions for what to say, and what not to say, when helping loved ones face the tragedy of stillbirth and infant death. Available in both English and Spanish.
ANA HAPPENINGS
ANA’s biannual newsletter provides information on stillbirth-related legislation and research, updates readers about the usage and success of the association’s programs, as well as the development and funding of new initiatives, and provides a venue for ANA to publicly thank donors.
MEMORY BOXES ANA, in partnership with the nonprofit Bridging People and Places, distributes memory boxes to area hospitals. The boxes are given to families of stillborn babies upon delivery at the hospital. These keepsake boxes contain comfort items such as handmade baby blankets, hand and footprint materials, handmade bag for baby's lock of hair, journal, photo album, cameras and angel bears. GRIEF EDUCATION PROGRAMS ANA offers free programs to educate the public and service providers about grief related to infant death. The presentation first addresses the psychological issues of bereavement, explains the stages of grief, and provides information about grief and mourning issues specific to infant death. It then provides practical applications designed specifically for the audience. Employers and employees learn how to create a work environment that is simultaneously productive and supportive for both the grieving family and coworkers. Funeral directors learn how to structure their end-of-life services to meet the needs of bereaved parents. Healthcare providers learn how to provide services that address the unique needs of families who must endure birth and death simultaneously. And friends and family learn how to support those who have endured a miscarriage or stillbirth. ANA's Grief Education Program is approved by the NYS Department of Health for one CEU for funeral directors. To request this free program contact ANA at mgmosca@msn.com or (518) 654-2411. LENDING LIBRARY This program enablesANA to offer supportive resources to families of stillborn children. Funded in part by a grant from the Saratoga County Citizens Committee on Mental Health, the library provides publications that families can loan for free. Families will not have to go to a public forum (i.e. library, bookstore) to search for a book, and they will not have to incur the expense of purchasing the items. The book list and request form are in development and will be posted by summer. To request information now, please email Board member Richard Denno at dennos@roadrunner.com.
The following ANA offerings are annual events and information about them can be found both here and by clicking on the Events link.
MEMORIAL WALK ANA annual Memorial Walk is held in October, the weekend after Labor Day, at the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Memorial Walk enables families to acknowledge the life of a baby who has died, and offers opportunities for bereaved families to meet others who have had similar experiences.
The event begins with a walk along a level, paved path accessible by strollers and wheelchairs. A nondenominational memorial service and flower/name reading ceremony follows, remembering babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS and infant death.
Participation in the walk is free. The day includes refreshments, activities for children ("bubbles to Heaven," face painting, etc.) and prizes. Memorial Walk t-shirts and ANA's exclusive 'Forever in Our Hearts' ornament are available at the walk for a minimum donation. To order prior to the event, email mgmosca@msn.com.
More than 200 people, ranging in age from two months to 84 years, attended last year's walk representing more than 80 babies from states around the country.
STILL PARENTS LUNCHEON
Held in-between Mother's Day and Father's Day, which are often difficult days for bereaved parents, the "Still Parents" Luncheon is designed to honor the parenthood of those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.
The 2008 luncheon was held on Sunday, May 18th at LT's Grill in Niskayuna, NY. Click here for event details.
ANA plans to host the luncheon again in May 2009. Information will be posted in early 2009.
|
|