We are thrilled to announce ALKU’s newest Employee Resource Group (ERG), Hope, Empowerment, Acceptance, and Love (HEAL)! The mission of HEAL is to is to be a support system for individuals who have been through the significant loss of a loved one. This group is a safe space for all to share these personal experiences while coming together through the phases of grief and healing, ensuring that all ALKU employees feel as supported as they can while navigating these tragic losses. HEAL is sponsored by Senior Recruiting Director, Healthcare IT, Tyler Bush, and led by Pharmaceutical Quality Account Manager, Katie Farman!
Check out the HEAL table talk with Katie below for all the details on ALKU’s newest ERG!
What influenced you to launch the ERG, HEAL?
With the quick passing of my mother to pancreatic cancer in 2020, I’ve been inspired to bring an open dialogue around the conversation of grief and loss into the workplace. It can feel isolating to grieve in silence and not let it trickle into the workplace but by bringing HEAL to ALKU I hope to welcome more conversation around this topic.
How will HEAL support members of the ALKrew?
HEAL will provide a safe space and community to lean on in the workplace by bringing together employees that have gone through significant family loss. We will discuss and lean on one another as we grow through different life stages of grief and memories of our lost loved ones. HEAL will also provide educational open meetings to peers and employees who want to learn how to best support those navigating those challenging times.
What advice would you give someone interested in learning more about HEAL and looking to join? HEAL will be here for you with open arms when you are ready. I’ve always felt through my own loss that having the ability to lean on others that have been through similar experiences can provide so much comfort and that is what I hope to provide others with through HEAL.
What do you want people to be aware of outside the group?
Grief and navigating a close loss is a non-linear experience, I encourage peers outside of the group to ask questions about how those navigating loss can best be supported during challenging times. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable bringing up these types of conversations, but we have to start somewhere!
What is a long-term goal for HEAL?
To create a community at ALKU of individuals that have gone through these shared experiences, as well as partner with external organizations such as Jeff’s Place and EmpowerHER to promote awareness through open events.
If a member of the ALKrew is navigating the loss of a loved one and doesn’t know where to turn, how can HEAL be a resource each step of the way?
HEAL can be a resource by understanding each individual persons needs. I think everyone is different in what their needs will be and how they want to approach the healing process. Some may be having a fresher experience with recent loss, while some may be grieving from an experience years past, so understanding each persons needs will be important.
HEAL Bio:
HEAL (Hope, Empowerment, Acceptance, & Love) is a support system for individuals who have been through the significant loss of a loved one. This group is a safe space for all to share these personal experiences while coming together through the phases of grief and healing, ensuring that all ALKU employees feel as supported as they can while navigating these tragic losses.