THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY VANCE, M. WHITE, EARLL, BAKER, PILEGGI, MENSCH, ERICKSON, WARD, KITCHEN, HUGHES, KASUNIC, SCHWANK, ALLOWAY, BROWNE, BRUBAKER, GREENLEAF, RAFFERTY, TOMLINSON, VULAKOVICH, D. WHITE, BREWSTER, DINNIMAN, FARNESE, FERLO, FONTANA, SOLOBAY, STACK, TARTAGLIONE AND WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 15, 2012

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, OCTOBER 15, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Designating November 15, 2012, as "Children's Grief Awareness

Day" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Children who have had a loved one die, especially a

close family member, can carry that loss within them forever,

and it sometimes causes confusion in their minds as to why their

loved one was taken away; and

WHEREAS, Highmark Caring Place is a center for grieving

children, adolescents and their families, and there are four

Caring Place centers throughout this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Some families regard Highmark Caring Place centers

as the salvation of their family unit, a place where, above all,

they can find comfort, understanding and help in time of grief;

and

WHEREAS, "Children's Grief Awareness Day" was begun in this

Commonwealth by the Highmark Caring Place in 2008 in order to

help others understand the impact of death on children and their

need for support; and

WHEREAS, "Children's Grief Awareness Day" is observed every

year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, immediately preceding

the winter holidays, which can be a particularly difficult time

for grieving children; and

WHEREAS, A simple way to participate is to encourage as many

people as possible to wear blue on that day as a symbol of

support for "Children's Grief Awareness Day"; and

WHEREAS, The Caring Team for Children is an initiative of

Highmark Caring Place which encompasses hundreds of schools,

businesses and community partners working together to increase a

common awareness of the needs of grieving children; and

WHEREAS, This year, on November 15, 2012, Caring Team for

Children schools, along with children and adults from all walks

of life across Pennsylvania, will join together with thousands

of others nationally and internationally to show their support

for grieving children by participating in "Children's Grief

Awareness Day"; and

WHEREAS, The Senate applauds the work being accomplished by

the Highmark Caring Place and the Caring Team for Children

schools across this Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate designate November 15, 2012, as

"Children's Grief Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.