For Immediate Release

Date: 9-28-2021

Contact: Mare Martell, maremartell@lightoflove.net

Local Provider Receives Proficiency Badge from the
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance  

Oak Ridge, TN, Mare Martell is proud to announce that on September 28th, 2021 they have earned a Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). End-of-life doulas are trained, non-medical caregivers who provide holistic, personalized care to dying individuals and their families.  Their services include community resources, education, emotional support, and household assistance. By earning the Proficiency Badge, Mare Martell, has demonstrated understanding in four broad areas of competency: communication, ethics, values, and professionalism.  

A recent graduate of Going With Grace’s Doula training course, Mare Martell made it her life’s work to be engaged with the public when it comes to death and dying. She has helped several families through the End-of-Life transition and looks forward to helping others to prepare for the inevitable.

“Interest in end-of-life doulas has increased greatly in the last few years,” states founding member and current NEDA president Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN. Until now, there has been no consistency in definition or guidelines of practice. “The consistency that NEDA offers through the Proficiency Assessment process is greatly needed,” states Rush. “Families who are utilizing end-of-life doulas, and healthcare providers who are referring to them, will have confidence in the knowledge of those who earn the NEDA Proficiency Badge.”

NEDA welcomes all practicing end-of-life doulas, trainers, and other interested parties to become involved in their various learning and networking initiatives. NEDA is the only membership organization that provides a ‘big tent’ for all concerned to come together and help this new profession grow. The new Proficiency Assessment establishes a strong foundation of knowledge, integrity, and skill in the field. To learn more about Mare Martell, please visit http://www.lightoflove.net. For more information about NEDA, visit  www.nedalliance.org, or https://www.facebook.com/national.end.of.life.doula.alliance/

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