Grief Companioning Project focuses on what happens after a drug overdose death

The fifth annual Understanding Traumatic Grief Conference, hosted by Support 7 in Lynnwood, focused on the struggles families encounter following overdose deaths. Lynnwood resident Ryan Poirier shared his emotional journey after losing his 25-year-old daughter, Paige, to an overdose, using personal rituals and community support to cope. He expressed deep gratitude for the assistance from various grief organizations and emphasized that without their help, he would have felt lost. Dr. Ted Rynearson, who lost his wife to suicide, discussed different cultural approaches to grief, contrasting the Tlingit tradition with Catholic perspectives.

He noted the importance of creating a comfortable and confidential environment for grieving individuals, drawing on his experiences with peer-led support groups. Rynearson initiated a 10-session intervention for grieving families, funded by the Department of Justice, which has faced challenges since his retirement and organizational shifts. Despite these changes, the Grief Companioning Project, led by Cindi Sinnema, continues to provide essential training and support for those dealing with grief. The conference highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue about the often-silent grief related to overdose deaths.