City, Highmark Caring Place and Erie Otters mark Children’s Grief Awareness Day; free supports and special game promoted

Mayor Schember used the press conference to recognize Children's Grief Awareness Day, observe that it falls on the third Thursday in November, and explain the city's support for grieving children as the holiday season approaches.

Connor Dolley, outreach and education coordinator at the Highmark Caring Place, said the day began in Erie and that this year’s theme is "Champion of Hope." Dolley cited statistics and services: "Statistics show that at least 1 in 5 children will grieve or experience the death of a person that they're close to before they graduate high school," he said; he added that "1 in 11 will experience the death of a parent or sibling in Pennsylvania, and 7 in 10 classrooms have at least 1 grieving student who are grieving a death within the last year." Dolley described free support groups for families funded in part by Highmark and urged community volunteer support.

Trevor Cabey, the Erie Otters' play-by-play voice and communications manager, said the Otters have partnered with the Highmark Caring Place for grief awareness games that have raised more than $29,000 over the last three seasons. He invited fans to wear blue and attend the organization's special grief awareness night and pregame remembrance. Mayor Schember also recognized Christine Nosich (program manager, Highmark Caring Place) and provided contact information for Kristen Huber at Highmark Caring Place for families seeking services (phone and email provided during remarks).

Officials did not announce new funding commitments during the press conference; they promoted the free supports available through Highmark Caring Place and community participation at the Otters' event.