Ephraim McDowell Health announces the launch of a new initiative from its Patient Experience Department, thanks to funding from the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. The Patient Experience Department has purchased Grief Kit items for families who have lost a loved one within the hospital.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the Foundation in funding these Grief Kit items,” said Jason Dean, vice president of Clinical Effectiveness for Ephraim McDowell Health. “These items align with our mission to provide value to the people we serve. The compassionate program reflects the organization’s commitment to whole-person care … not only for patients but also for the families who walk beside them. We are especially grateful to Brooke Smith for her leadership and dedication in spearheading this meaningful project.”

Each item in the Grief Kit is thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and support during one of life’s most difficult moments. The items include things such as journals, tissues, comfort tokens, thumbprint cards and information on grief. The goal is to provide both emotional and practical support to grieving families, showing them that their experience matters and they are not alone.

By offering these kits, the hospital reinforces its values of empathy, dignity, and personalized care—extending its service beyond clinical walls and into the emotional well-being of the community. The launch of the Grief Kits is another step in delivering meaningful experiences to those the hospital is honored to serve, even in moments of sorrow.

“We were honored to assist with the funding of these Grief Kits,” said Chris Davis, board chair of the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. “There is no greater expression of generosity than to provide support to a family who has lost a loved one.”