Gainesville End-of-Life Doulas & Friends will host a special community event in recognition of Grief Awareness Month on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Alachua County Headquarters Library.
The free event, titled “Conversations About Death & Dying,” will take place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A on the library’s fourth floor at 401 E. University Ave.
Held monthly by Gainesville End-of-Life Doulas & Friends, the August gathering will feature an expanded program focused on grief education, end-of-life planning and community support. Organizers invite anyone interested in learning more about death, dying and the grieving process to attend.
The program schedule includes:
- 12:30-1 p.m. – What Is an End-of-Life Doula? with Shanti Vani
- 1-2:15 p.m. – Conversations About Death & Dying, an open community sharing circle
- 2:15-2:30 p.m. – Break
- 2:30-3 p.m. – How to Help a Grieving Friend with Breanna Williams
- 3-3:30 p.m. – Ritual of Naming and Remembrance with Anna Schwait. Participants are invited to bring a photograph or meaningful item to include in the remembrance ritual.
- 3:30-4 p.m. – Practical Preparations with Nora Wiser
- 4-4:30 p.m. – Closing circle of reflections
Organizers say the event is intended to create a welcoming environment where community members can openly discuss topics related to death, dying and grief while learning practical ways to support themselves and others through loss.