M.E.N.D.
and the Medical Community:
Comforting Patients Through Loss I founded M.E.N.D. in 1996, one year following the stillbirth of my son, Jonathan. What began as a small group of moms who had endured the death of a baby has grown into a nationwide organization that enables moms and dads to connect with those who understand their sorrow. The grief and pain of losing a child is a lifelong journey and M.E.N.D. walks alongside families as they learn to create a new normal. Because the grief journey for these families often begins with the words “I’m so sorry…” from a trusted healthcare provider, we are committed to working with you to ensure these families receive compassionate care during the most heartbreaking circumstances. As “experts by experience” in the field of pregnancy and infant loss, we are here to provide you with resources and ideas on how to make a horrible situation a little bit better.
For a list of nationwide chapters, events, and resources, visit
www.mend.org
M.E.N.D. PO Box 631556 Irving, TX 75063 972-506-9000 M.E.N.D. is a member of
I hope you will entrust M.E.N.D. to provide continuation of care for your patients beyond the physical pains of loss and to help them find healing and comfort for their broken hearts and empty arms.
Rebekah Mitchell
M.E.N.D. Founder & President
“...that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God...” 2 Corinthians 1:4
M.E.N.D. Experts by Experience
About Established in 1996, M.E.N.D. is a nationwide Christian non-profit organization that provides support services to families who have experienced the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. M.E.N.D. offers a variety of resources at no cost to families who seek our services. • • • • • •
Peer-led Support Groups Nationwide Online Support Group Active Online Communities Remembrance Ceremonies and Family Events Brochures and Resources Worldwide Distribution of Bi-Monthly Newsletters Focusing on Pregnancy and Infant Loss
M.E.N.D. is run 100% by volunteers and is 100% donor driven.
Partnering with Healthcare Providers Healthcare providers play a critical role in creating a safe and comforting environment when a loss occurs. Personally having traveled the journey of infant loss, M.E.N.D. volunteers are available to provide presentations and trainings for healthcare providers on how to care for families when a baby dies: • • • • • • •
Labor and delivery nurses and doctors NICU teams Emergency Departments Mental Health Providers Chaplains School Counselors: When Teens Lose a Baby Family members caring for loved ones through pregnancy and infant loss
Presentations and trainings are complimentary, however, reimbursement for travel expenses and lodging may be assessed.
There is a unique
pain that comes from preparing a place in your heart for a child that never comes . . .