Spiritual Care

Children are encouraged to express their beliefs, spirituality and feelings through a method of sacred storytelling called Godly Play. Our chaplains can initiate these story experiences in a group setting or at your child's bedside Monday - Friday. To request the program, call the Spiritual Care Department.

• Children become fully engaged as they assist the storyteller in the movement of three-dimensional wood figures and felt pieces while listening to a story unfold.
• Patients then have the opportunity to respond to "I wonder" questions, which encourages children to express their thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
• Next is an art activity where they are invited to express themselves. While the artwork is sometimes directly related to the story, creativity and imagination are encouraged.
• Children can also play with the storypieces and retell the story in their own way.

Families experiencing the loss of a child can find support through our professional healing ministry. We understand the grieving process and can support you throughout this challenging journey.

Compassionate presence

• Families are provided time to be with and nurture their child.
• End-of-life support is provided to families by social workers, nurses, chaplains, child life specialists and other professionals who are trained in bereavement support.
• Chaplains can perform rituals such as blessings or baptisms. They may also contact appropriate local spiritual leaders upon the family's request.
• We encourage the involvement of various communities of faith and will assist in any way possible to obtain spiritual and emotional support from a family's church or faith group.

Support Materials

Information is provided to parents about community resources, perinatal loss and more.

Memory Making

Families are given memory boxes containing items that assist the entire family in creating lasting remembrances after a loss.

Perinatal Remembrance Event

This is held every October. For more information contact Chaplain Marigrace Doran at 904.202.2951.

Pediatric Support Group

Loss of an infant, toddler or older child

Join us virtually on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm. We will also meet both virtually and in-person for our May and September gatherings at the Dreams Come True Office 6803 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 32216.

Pediatric Remembrance Event

This is held every November or December. For more information contact Sharon Eddins at 904.202.2061.

Follow-Up Care

Parents are automatically placed on our mailing list for one year to receive reminders for groups and events. If your loss occurred at another facility and you'd like to be placed on the list, please contact the Spiritual Care office at the number at the top of the page or via email at sharon.eddins@bmcjax.com.

Community Support Groups

For a list of Community Support Groups, contact Chaplain Marigrace Doran at 904.202.2951.