Impact of Caring Connections

In 2022, Caring Connections provided 42 grief support groups to 351 participants. We were able to host some of our groups in person at the College of Nursing, though we maintained an online presence with virtual Zoom options for all of our groups. With funding from the State of Utah and CARES Act funds, we have continued to provide virtual COVID-grief groups and COVID-recovery support groups. 

Caring Connections grief support groups have a small fee. With generous support from Larkin Mortuary, we offer scholarships for this fee, for those who find this a hardship. This means that no one needing support is ever turned away from grief support groups. 

Caring Connections also facilitates hundreds of calls annually to support individuals who have lost someone and connects them with appropriate community resources. 

Caring Connections provides professional education in evidence-based care of grieving persons. In 2022, the following trainings were provided to community mental health providers, first responders, teachers, and others who work closely with grief and loss using funds awarded by the State of Utah Department of Health and Human Services. 

• 4 Grief of Sudden and Unexpected Death Trainings with 124 attendees 

• 11 Grief Suicide Death Trainings with 228 attendees 

• 4 Grief of Overdose Death Trainings with 44 attendees 

• 16 Additional community trainings at conferences or for individual agencies 

Using our funding from the State of Utah and CARES Act funds, Caring Connections has also been providing community support to Community Health Workers, Peer Support Specialists, and Case Managers to promote resilience and stability for this vital group of service providers.  

Overall, Caring Connections brings compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches to the practice and science of bereavement care in service to Utahns.  

 Our ongoing funding is primarily through grants and support from community members.