"Children's Grief Awareness Day" reaches five-year milestone in raising awareness about the needs of grieving children

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Children, schools and communities throughout Pennsylvania and around the world will unite on Thursday, Nov. 15 by wearing blue to commemorate Children's Grief Awareness Day (CGAD). This observance was created five years ago by the Highmark Caring Place, and it has subsequently grown to become a national and international event observed annually on the third Thursday in November.

"In addition to creating awareness of the needs of grieving children, this observance day helps us to maximize awareness of the impact that death has on children and the need for support so they don't feel alone in their grief," said Highmark Caring Place Director Terese Vorsheck. "We encourage everyone to participate, and we've even created a toolkit that is available online to help plan local observances."

Activities are being planned around the Caring Place facilities in Pittsburgh, Erie, Lemoyne and Warrendale, Pa. as well as at other locations throughout Pennsylvania and across the country.

Now in its second year, CGAD's 'Holding on to HOPE' initiative which encourages individuals to take photos with HOPE, a butterfly that is available online, has received support and participation from people around the world through the use of social media and the CGAD Facebook page.

"Children who have experienced the death of a loved one, especially a close family member, can feel the impact of that loss forever," said Vorsheck. "Through our year-round Facebook activity, we are showing kids that we care about them."

The Highmark Caring Place provides peer support groups, referral services, adult telephone support and educational programs and resources for grieving children and families in four Pennsylvania facilities and online via its recently enhanced website. In addition, consultation services, as well as educational presentations and resources, are available for schools and other professionals in the community who work with children. These programs and services are offered at no cost.

Additional resources are available through the Caring Place website or by contacting one of the four facilities in Pittsburgh, Erie, Lemoyne or Warrendale, Pa. For more information, call 1-866-212-HOPE (4673).

SOURCE Highmark Caring Place