Redefining Grief and Inclusivity ft. Laura Lavallee (#037)

In this episode, Maria chats with Laura Lavallee, CEO of Evergreen Hospice, about the importance of inclusivity, representation, and individualized care in end-of-life support. They explore the challenges of running a non-profit, managing community support, and adapting to the changing needs of an aging demographic. Laura shares her personal journey into hospice care, her plans for Evergreen’s expansion, and the need for legislative changes to better support palliative care in marginalized communities.

What You’ll Learn:

• The importance of inclusivity and culturally competent care in end-of-life support.
• How Evergreen Hospice is adapting to the needs of marginalized communities.
• The challenges of running a non-profit organization reliant on community support and donations.
• Laura's insights into changing the narrative around grief and death, and her plans for expanding Evergreen’s services.

Resource Links:

• Evergreen Hospice – https://www.evgcares.org/
• Evergreen Hospice Gala – https://www.evgcares.org/post/throwback-thursday-a-blast-from-the-past-gala
• Donate to Evergreen Hospice Today – https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/18791?v2=true
• Evergreen Hospice Programs – https://www.evgcares.org/services-and-programs
• Disenfranchised Grief: When no one seems to understand your loss – https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/disenfranchised-grief
• Disadvantaged and disenfranchised in bereavement: A scoping review of social and structural inequity following expected death – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953619305945
• LGBTQ+ Grief: Challenges and Barriers – https://elunanetwork.org/resources/lgbtq-grief-challenges-and-barriers
• Disenfranchised grief in queer companionship and chosen family – https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2647&context=etd
• Legacy Expo Information – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-legacy-expo-ii-tickets-909330641427
• The Relentlessness of Black Grief – https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/09/relentlessness-black-grief/616511/
• Community Conversation: Grief Through the Lens of Black Communities – https://elunanetwork.org/resources/community-conversation-grief-through-the-lens-of-black-communities
• Radical Death Studies – https://www.radicaldeathstudies.com/
• What to Know About Disenfranchised Grief – https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-about-disenfranchised-grief
• Grief and loss: An inclusive approach – https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/grief-and-loss-an-inclusive-approach/

Philotimo Life episodes are now recorded in Miraki Life Workspace, a creative co-working space that fosters community and collaboration. Be sure to follow Philotimo Life on Instagram at @philotimolife and sign up for our newsletter at philotimolife.com/subscribe.