This November, in recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is joining with members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) to launch the annual Flip the Script campaign. This initiative, created by NACG with support from national childhood grief organizations, focuses on raising awareness and providing education about childhood bereavement – flipping the script on how we, as a society, understand and support children and teens who are grieving.
Far too often, grief in young people can go unseen or misunderstood. Well-intentioned adults may avoid conversations about death, minimize a child’s feelings or rely on phrases such as “you’ll be okay” or “time heals all wounds.” These responses can unintentionally leave children feeling isolated in their grief. By increasing awareness and offering education, the Flip the Script campaign can better equip families, schools and communities to provide children who are grieving with the care and support they need.
According to the Judi’s House/JAG Institute’s 2026 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model Report, 1 in 11 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. This staggering reality highlights the importance of raising awareness and ensuring children who are grieving are not left to navigate their loss alone.
Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray emphasized the significance of supporting children after loss, stating, “Grief that is not expressed, validated or managed can negatively impact a child’s development and mental health. This puts a significant strain on the family. By acknowledging and supporting grieving children and families in our community, we can see positive outcomes long-term. The Healing Patch is a place for the community to learn about how to support those impacted by grief, as well as a resource for local grieving families to gain connections, support, and hope.”
This year, the Healing Patch marks 20 years of offering free peer support services for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close family member. Since 2006, nearly 2,400 children and adults have participated in family group sessions at the Healing Patch center, and 560 students have gone through in-school groups at schools in Bedford, Blair, or Cambria counties. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible.
Throughout the month of November, the Healing Patch will share resources, stories and information designed to help individuals, families, schools, faith communities, and professionals better understand the grieving process and respond with empathy. By building awareness and knowledge, the Flip the Script Campaign works toward a future where no child grieves alone.
For more information about Children’s Grief Awareness Month, access to valuable resources for supporting children who are grieving, and ways to get involved in the Flip the Script Campaign, visit https://nacg.org/flipthescript/ and follow #FlipTheScript on Facebook and Instagram. To stay updated with the Healing Patch, follow the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program Facebook page or Instagram @healing_patch.
The Healing Patch
The Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program began in 2006 as a free peer support program for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close family member. Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible. The Healing Patch is a free service to the community and relies on individual and community donations, grants and fundraising events for support. If you would like to support the Healing Patch by donating or volunteering, please contact us at 1-800-445-6262 or homenursingagency.com. The Home Nursing Agency Foundation is supported by the United Ways of Bedford County and the Southern Alleghenies.