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Long overlooked, childhood bereavement is a critical issue and an increasingly important national priority. Nationally, one in 14 children, or 5.2 million, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 based on the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM). By age 25, that number more than doubles to 13.2 million. The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) was developed by Judi’s House/JAG Institute in partnership with the New York Life Foundation. The CBEM is the first-of-its-kind tool that uses U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data to report childhood bereavement rates annually. CBEM Reports provide an overview of the prevalence of childhood bereavement at national, state, and regional levels. Local Impact Prevalence rates of childhood grief vary across the country. In Pennsylvania, one in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 according to 2020 CBEM results. In Blair County, the CBEM approximates 6.4% of children will experience the death of a parent by age 18. That equates to 1,670 children. Out of 67 Pennsylvania counties, Blair County ranks 27th with the rate of children who will lose a parent by age 18. In Cambria County, the CBEM approximates 8.1% of children will experience the death of a parent by age 18. That equates to 2,220 children. Cambria County has the 2nd highest rate of children who will lose a parent by age 18. Impact of Childhood Grief The death of a parent or other important person in a child’s life has been noted to be one of the most frequently reported disruptive childhood experiences. Left unaddressed, childhood grief and trauma can lead to short- and long-term difficulties including poor academic performance, mental health issues, and early mortality. Each day, bereaved youth turn to peers and adults for assistance in managing complex grief reactions. Data from the CBEM reinforces the need for access to grief-focused education and programming that helps communities respond compassionately and confidently. The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is one of many organizations dedicated to caring for the estimated 214,000 children who will lose a parent or sibling by age 18 in Pennsylvania, according to the 2020 CBEM. “The CBEM results further validate the need for children’s bereavement programs nationally and locally,” explains Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray. “We have learned that more children are grieving than previously thought. Recognizing that Cambria County has the 2nd highest childhood bereavement rate has shown us there is an even greater need for outreach and awareness of our services.” The Healing Patch started in 2006 as a free program to support grieving children and their families in West Central Pennsylvania. The Healing Patch provides this support through various ways: Family sessions at centers in Altoona and Ebensburg provide a safe environment for peer support. Grieving children from preschool to age 18 can share with others who have experienced the death of a loved one and discover that they are not alone and that hope and healing are possible. Peer support groups in local schools for students who may have difficulty attending a Healing Patch location Grief education in the classroom to facilitate group discussions to middle and high school students on the topics of grief/loss and death/dying Educational in-services for school personnel to learn how to recognize the signs and behaviors of grieving children and what steps and actions they can take to help make a difference Community education on topics related to loss, grief, death, and dying Lending Library of more than 400 grief-related resources available to anyone in the community “Programs like the Healing Patch can be a lifeline for many children and families by helping families bring their grief process to light,” Ray says. “Many participants can manage their feelings by expressing them through discussion, arts, games, and play. If these feelings are not shared and managed, unhealthy coping can manifest. Families also gain support, insight, and hope from fellow members. The Healing Patch is a prevention program that offers a road map toward healing.” Visit Judi’s House/JAG Institute at judishouse.org/cbem for more details about the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model. For more information about the Healing Patch, please visit www.facebook.com/healingpatchchildrensgriefprogram or call 1-800-445-6262. About the Healing Patch The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support children through in-school services, grief resources and other community services. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving children and families to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible. The Healing Patch is a free service to the community and relies on individual and community donations, grants and fundraising events for support. To learn more, call 1-800-445-6262 or visit homenursingagency.com. UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC Home Healthcare policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, creed, limited English proficiency, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, handicap or disability, ability to pay, diagnosis, veteran status, infectious disease, DNR status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC Home Healthcare will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC Home Healthcare programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC Home Healthcare in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.
Long overlooked, childhood bereavement is a critical issue and an increasingly important national priority. Nationally, one in 14 children, or 5.2 million, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 based on the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM). By age 25, that number more than doubles to 13.2 million.
The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) was developed by Judi’s House/JAG Institute in partnership with the New York Life Foundation. The CBEM is the first-of-its-kind tool that uses U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data to report childhood bereavement rates annually. CBEM Reports provide an overview of the prevalence of childhood bereavement at national, state, and regional levels.
Local Impact
Prevalence rates of childhood grief vary across the country. In Pennsylvania, one in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 according to 2020 CBEM results.
In Blair County, the CBEM approximates 6.4% of children will experience the death of a parent by age 18. That equates to 1,670 children. Out of 67 Pennsylvania counties, Blair County ranks 27th with the rate of children who will lose a parent by age 18.
In Cambria County, the CBEM approximates 8.1% of children will experience the death of a parent by age 18. That equates to 2,220 children. Cambria County has the 2nd highest rate of children who will lose a parent by age 18.
Impact of Childhood Grief
The death of a parent or other important person in a child’s life has been noted to be one of the most frequently reported disruptive childhood experiences. Left unaddressed, childhood grief and trauma can lead to short- and long-term difficulties including poor academic performance, mental health issues, and early mortality. Each day, bereaved youth turn to peers and adults for assistance in managing complex grief reactions. Data from the CBEM reinforces the need for access to grief-focused education and programming that helps communities respond compassionately and confidently.
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is one of many organizations dedicated to caring for the estimated 214,000 children who will lose a parent or sibling by age 18 in Pennsylvania, according to the 2020 CBEM.
“The CBEM results further validate the need for children’s bereavement programs nationally and locally,” explains Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray. “We have learned that more children are grieving than previously thought. Recognizing that Cambria County has the 2nd highest childhood bereavement rate has shown us there is an even greater need for outreach and awareness of our services.”
The Healing Patch started in 2006 as a free program to support grieving children and their families in West Central Pennsylvania. The Healing Patch provides this support through various ways:
“Programs like the Healing Patch can be a lifeline for many children and families by helping families bring their grief process to light,” Ray says. “Many participants can manage their feelings by expressing them through discussion, arts, games, and play. If these feelings are not shared and managed, unhealthy coping can manifest. Families also gain support, insight, and hope from fellow members. The Healing Patch is a prevention program that offers a road map toward healing.”
Visit Judi’s House/JAG Institute at judishouse.org/cbem for more details about the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model.
For more information about the Healing Patch, please visit www.facebook.com/healingpatchchildrensgriefprogram or call 1-800-445-6262.
About the Healing Patch
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close family member. Since that time, the program has expanded to support children through in-school services, grief resources and other community services. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving children and families to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible. The Healing Patch is a free service to the community and relies on individual and community donations, grants and fundraising events for support. To learn more, call 1-800-445-6262 or visit homenursingagency.com.
UPMC Home Healthcare of Central Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC Home Healthcare policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, creed, limited English proficiency, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, handicap or disability, ability to pay, diagnosis, veteran status, infectious disease, DNR status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC Home Healthcare will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC Home Healthcare programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC Home Healthcare in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.