ACT NOW: Is Grief Normative or a Diagnosable Condition?

May 12, 2023 | Advocacy, Appropriations, Federal Government, Grief

Open for comment until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday June 2, 2023

One of the most hotly debated topics in bereavement care is whether all grief is normative or a diagnosable condition. For the first time, the federal government is beginning to examine scientific evidence on when grief is normative and when, if ever, does it limit daily life and function.

As part of the FY23 U.S. budget process, Congress passed a $1 million appropriation directing the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a federal health agency, to conduct an evidence-based review of grief and bereavement literature to determine the feasibility of developing consensus-based standards for high-quality bereavement and grief care. AHRQ is accepting comments from the public on this issue until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday, June 2, 2023. To learn more, visit AHRQ’s website and follow the directions on how to submit a comment.

Further, a technical panel of experts will be convened to help guide and inform federal efforts. Evermore has the distinct opportunity to nominate experts for the technical panel. If you are interested in being nominated, submit a nomination here (the nomination period has now closed). Nominations will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday, May 19, 2023. Submitting a nomination application does not ensure that Evermore will advance your application to federal leaders. In addition, if accepted, Evermore will not cover expenses related to your service as part of this effort.

As concurrent mortality epidemics touch every neighborhood in America, now, more than ever, our nation must invest in grief and bereavement leaders, programs, and science. This effort will advance our nation toward Evermore’s vision of a world where all bereaved people experience a healthy, prosperous, and equitable future. We are more committed than ever to serving bereaved children and families and the tireless frontline providers who have been on the frontier for decades.

“I Want to Listen to Your Absence”

“Letter to My Father”

“LESS HEAVY THINGS”

“He Checks His Luggage”

“Nevertheless, It Moves”