Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 5, 2015 – In collaboration with the Kaufman Interfaith Institute of Grand Valley State University, local hospice providers will host a special panel to discuss the interfaith needs in end-of-life care on Thursday, Nov. 19.
The free event, held at the Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley’s downtown Pew Campus, is open to all medical professionals, students, clergy, funeral homes and any other groups seeking to understand exemplary spiritual and physical end-of-life care. Those interested in attending can choose from a morning session, held from 9 to 11 a.m., or an afternoon session, held from 3 to 5 p.m.
Hospice organizations participating in the event include Hospice of Michigan, Emmanuel Hospice, Great Lakes Caring Hospice, Heartland Hospice, Hospice of Holland, Spectrum Hospice, Grace Hospice and Gentiva Hospice.
“Having all of our area hospice organizations come together for this event is a unique opportunity for collaboration in our interfaith community,” said Katie Gordon, program manager at Kaufman Interfaith Institute. “Through this discussion, we hope to provide the community with the knowledge they need to provide compassionate, respectful end-of-life care to all.”
As a response to Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell’s proclamation that 2015 is the Year of Interfaith Service in our community, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute created a Service Council that meets monthly and includes interfaith activists and advocates from several faith communities as well as the secular community. As members of the Service Council, the local hospice providers offer grief support to those in the community who are experiencing a loss.
This is the second time that local hospice providers and the Kaufman Institute have worked in collaboration. In August, four of the hospice providers came together for a communitywide interfaith memorial service.
Kaufman Interfaith Institute: The mission of Kaufman Interfaith Institute is to promote interfaith understanding and mutual respect in West Michigan. Through interfaith dialogue and service, we promote a vibrant and diverse community for all generations. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/interfaith.