End-of-Life Doula Training
Presented by Brave Heart Volunteers

This five-part training is open to the whole community and is required for anyone who wants to serve as a BHV end-of-life volunteer.

Sitting with someone at the end of life touches every part of who we are — spiritual, emotional, and practical. Over five sessions, we'll explore these different domains of accompaniment: the history and philosophy of hospice, the physical journey of dying, communication with people who are ill and their families, Southeast Alaskan Native values around death and care, medical ethics, self-care and boundaries, and what it means to show up for a first visit.

This training will be facilitated by BHV's Program Director, Hailey Rinella, and retired nurse and co-founder of BHV, Auriella Hughes. You'll hear from community partners and panelists with firsthand experience — hospice and medical perspectives, spiritual and cultural voices, and current BHV volunteers — and have space for reflection and discussion throughout.

By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the cultures and practices surrounding death in our community, a clearer sense of the resources available to support both the dying and their caregivers, and — just as importantly — the tools to care for yourself while doing this work.

Commitment: Attendance at all five sessions is required for BHV volunteer certification; community members are welcome to attend for their own learning. Ultimately, life gets in the way and attendance to every session may not be possible. Please communicate with Hailey about the schedule.

Questions? Email Hailey at hailey@braveheartvolunteers.org or call at 907-747-4600.

Schedule of training:

Day 1 — Saturday, October 17 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM

History and philosophy of hospice
Confidentiality
Journey at the End
Lunch will be provided

Day 2 — Monday, October 26 | 6:00–8:30 PM

Communication with family and EOL patient
Southeast Alaskan Native Principles and values

Day 3 — Monday, November 2 | 6:00–8:30 PM

Medical Ethics
Common illnesses and diagnoses, and the stages of dying

Day 4 — Monday, November 9 | 6:00–8:30 PM

Self-care and boundaries
Spirituality Panel

Day 5 — Monday, November 16 | 6:00–8:30 PM

First Visit Guidelines
Volunteer Panel

BHV End of Life Training

Meaningful Presence at the End