The Deathcare Difference: Doulas
by Douglas Simpson
Each dollar you donate matters so much to those who are dying. Most of us have experienced a death that has deeply impacted us—our loved ones, parents, siblings, extended family, friends, mentors, or coworkers. Death is a fact we all confront. And, if you are like me, you reflect: What were the wishes and needs of the dying person? Could I have done more? Is this how they wanted to die?
This is the space where end-of-life doulas live—supporting the dying and their circle in their nonmedical needs. INELDA has been honored to train over 5,000 compassionate, caring individuals so they can support the dying, whether they are in their homes, unhoused, or in a facility. There is still much work to be done.
Let’s think back on the meaningful deaths in our lives—what could have been different if a doula had been involved?
To meet our goals of 2023, I ask you to please donate whatever amount you can to ensure that the needs of the dying are met through the support and guidance of end-of-life doulas.
It’s essential for every person, in every community, to have the opportunity to address their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs at end of life. Like you, INELDA wants a future where all individuals have accessible, equitable, and compassionate deathcare that holistically affirms one’s humanity and supports end-of-life choices. Sadly, today this isn’t the case.
We know the inequities in health care translate to the inequities in deathcare. Imagine what our deathcare system could look like if everyone had an opportunity to have a death doula.
With your generosity and our values, we can:
- Create additional education for learners to expand their doula skills and explore personal deeper meaning
- Build alliances to support research and policies for equitable deathcare
- Strengthen the connections between death doulas within the INELDA community and throughout the deathcare community
- Partner within care facilities and other institutions to address gaps in end-of-life care