HomeMy WebLinkAboutS Proclamation Grief Awareness WeekORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK -November 2-8, 2003
WHEREAS, there are approximately 2 million deaths iri the United States each year, with
each directly affecting 10-12 family members (excluding good friends and close
colleagues), thus having an impact on approximately 20 million people; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, there are approximately 72,000 deaths each year; and
WHEREAS, natural disasters like Hurricane Floyd, tragic deaths like those of September
11, 2001, suicides and school shootings touch countless lives and continue to have an
impact long after the initial event; and
WHEREAS, grieving is a natural and normal response to death and other losses and is a
healthy way for people to take care of themselves; and
WHEREAS, cultural traditions and religious institutions have historically recognized the
need for community mourning rituals and individual grief expressions; and
WHEREAS, all Orange County residents are urged to be sensitive and supportive of their
families, neighbors, friends, and colleagues who are adjusting to a significant loss in their
lives; and
WHEREAS, a week set aside for grief awareness will enhance solidarity with our human
mortality and our common need for mourning and healing and will promote spiritual,
mental, physical, and emotional health; and
WHEREAS, we urge all Orange County citizens during this week to remember and
support those who have experienced a significant loss in their lives; and
WHEREAS, we urge all Orange County citizens during this week to participate in
community activities and educational events to increase their own knowledge of the grief
process so that neighborhoods, faith communities, and workplaces can create a more
healing environment for those in grief;
NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby
proclaim November 2nd through the 8~' as GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK in Orange
County, in recognition of every person's right to grieve in the face of death and loss.
This the 5~' day of November, 2003
~~
Margar Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Cornrnissioners