Whereas, One in twelve children experience the death of a parent or sibling before graduating high school; and
Whereas, Children old enough to love are old enough to mourn the loss of a loved one; and
Whereas, Grieving children often feel set apart, different from their peers, alone, and not understood; and
Whereas, Children often struggle to process grief or express the emotions stemming from loss in a healthy way; and
Whereas, Absence of support can have a serious impact on educational attainment and emotional growth, leading to future difficulties in life; and
Whereas, Our state is fortunate to have organizations with talented professionals and volunteers who focus on childhood grief, providing emotional support, coping mechanisms, and the foundation to process grief from the loss of a loved one; and
Whereas, This November, as the holiday season approaches and existing grief is often intensified, organizations like these, alongside Michigan parents and children, will come together to demonstrate the need for greater awareness of childhood grief, and encourage the rest of our state to prioritize supporting organizations and actors that commit themselves to this cause; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare November 2023 as Children’s Grief Awareness Month.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Adopted in the House by voice vote
