West Tennessee Healthcare to Host Two-Day Grief Education Series

JACKSON — West Tennessee Healthcare, in partnership with Butterfly’s Embrace, will host a two-day grief education series featuring nationally recognized grief counselor and best-selling author Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt.

The series begins Thursday, April 30, 2026, with an evening community event titled "Tending to Your Broken Heart: Hope for Your Healing." This free event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Church in Jackson. Dinner will be provided, and while attendance is free, registration is required.

The series continues Friday, May 1, 2026, with a full-day educational workshop, "The Art of Companioning a Mourning Heart: Caring Versus Curing," from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. This session is designed for healthcare professionals, caregivers and others who support individuals experiencing grief.

Continuing education credits will be available.

Throughout both events, Dr. Wolfelt will share practical, compassionate approaches to understanding grief, helping attendees recognize the emotional, psychological and social impact of loss while learning how to truly walk alongside those who are hurting. The sessions will also explore the important difference between “caring” and “curing,” offering guidance on how to support others in meaningful and lasting ways.

“At West Tennessee Healthcare, caring for our community means being there not only in times of illness, but also in times of loss,” said Leigh Ann Sutton, WTH Perinatal Bereavement Social Worker. “These events are an opportunity to learn how to support one another with compassion, understanding and heart.”

Registration for both events is available by visiting www.ButterflysEmbraceFamilySupport.com.

This series is made possible through the partnership of West Tennessee Healthcare, Butterfly’s Embrace and community sponsors who share a commitment to caring for others through every stage of life.

West Tennessee Healthcare is a public, not-for-profit healthcare system with locations serving 19 counties in West Tennessee and Southeast Missouri. The mission of West Tennessee Healthcare is to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve while providing exceptional and compassionate care.