Friday, April 3, 2026 • 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST • 1 CE UnitWhen Grief is Seen: Reflections & Lessons From 35 Years of Perinatal Loss Care
With Jill Kottmeier
About this webinar
Our perinatal loss program has evolved over 35 years from silence and invisibility into a model that validates grief and supports both families, healthcare providers and clinicians. This journey mirrors the national evolution of advancing bereavement care for families experiencing perinatal loss, moving from marginalization to recognition. While progress is undeniable, the future demands renewed attention. Rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among marginalized communities, highlight the urgent need for equity, comprehensive grief literacy, and systemic support for healthcare providers. This presentation reflects on the past, honors the present, and envisions a future where every loss is met with acknowledgment, compassion and support.
Meet Jill Kottmeier, RN & Thanatologist
Jill Kottmeier, RN & Thanatologist, has dedicated her career to providing compassionate bereavement care and crisis response to patients, families and staff. While focusing on palliative and bereavement care within the perinatal realm, Jill has walked alongside families during their most heart wrenching moments. Her ultimate goal is to create a safe space for all people that are grieving. Recognizing the profound impact of death and trauma on both patients and healthcare workers, she developed a program for employee grief support and co-founded the first crisis response team at Northwest Community Hospital, which now serves the entire Endeavor Health System. Through these initiatives, Jill has formalized her role in supporting the wellbeing of hospital staff, addressing grief in the workplace, destigmatizing mental health, and providing essential education on crisis intervention for leaders and colleagues. Jill’s story showcases not only her professional achievements but also her compassion and commitment to the holistic wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers she supports.