Caring Connections

07/02/2026

In this meaningful conversation on The Be Well Collective podcast, hosts Sara Hillring and Riley Speth sit down with Caring Connections' Taryn Hiatt, CSW, to unpack the realities of grief, challenge common misconceptions, and share compassionate, practical ways to navigate loss.

Together, they discuss:
✨ Why grief is a full-body experience—not just an emotional one
✨ The many forms grief can take, including anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and disenfranchised grief
✨ Why there is no "right" way or timeline to grieve
✨ Practical ways to care for yourself during grief
✨ How to show up for someone who is grieving with compassion instead of trying to find the "perfect" words

Whether you're grieving a loss, supporting someone you care about, or hoping to better understand what grief can look like, this episode shares practical insights, compassionate conversation, and a reminder that you don't have to have all the answers to show up for yourself or someone else.

University of Utah College of Nursing

Grief is one of the most universal—and deeply personal—human experi...

06/29/2026

We still have space available in our Summer 2026 Bereavement Support Groups beginning this week and next week.

Our loss-specific support groups provide a safe, compassionate space to connect with others who understand.

We offer both in-person and online options:

💻 Online Groups
• Loss of a Spouse or Partner – Tuesdays, July 7–August 25, 6:00–7:30 PM
• Loss of a Family Member or Friend – Tuesdays, July 7–August 25, 6:30–8:00 PM
• Loss to Su***de – Tuesdays, July 7–August 25, 6:00–7:30 PM

📍 In-Person Groups (College of Nursing, Salt Lake City)
• Loss of a Spouse or Partner – Mondays, July 6–August 24, 6:00–7:30 PM
• Loss of a Family Member or Friend – Mondays, July 6–August 24, 6:00–7:30 PM
• Loss to Su***de – Mondays, July 6–August 24, 6:00–7:30 PM

If you or someone you know could benefit from the support of others who understand, we encourage you to register today. Please share this post to help us reach those who may need it. 💙

Give us a call at 801-585-9522

06/05/2026

Caring Connections held its annual Seeds of Remembrance Program on May 12, 2026.

This year’s program, “Uniquely Irreplaceable: Grief, Resilience, and Why the World Needs You in It,” brought our community together for a powerful conversation about loss, healing, and the value of every life.

Featured speaker George Deussen shared his journey through a decade of grief following the loss of his son, Stockton Powers. Through heartfelt storytelling and hard-earned wisdom, he offered insight into resilience, the complexities of grief, and the importance of making space for difficult conversations.

The program also featured beautiful performances from musician Paul Jacobsen.

We are grateful to everyone who attended, shared in this experience, and helped create an evening of reflection, connection, and hope.

05/28/2026

For years, Dr. Kathie Supiano has helped others carry the weight of grief—offering comfort, guidance, and compassion through life’s hardest moments.

Many of you knew Kathie as the former Director of Caring Connections, where her work touched countless lives and shaped how so many people experience healing after loss.

Today, Kathie is being honored through University of Utah Health’s Made Better By You: Red Chair Series, recognizing her legacy built on empathy, connection, and care—and celebrating someone who has given so much to others. We ❤️ you Kathie!

Most people spend their lives avoiding the feeling of grief. Kathie Supiano has spent her career walking directly toward it—and holding others as they navigate devastating loss and heartbreak. What does it feel like to finally sit down and listen as others celebrate your life’s work? To know tha...

05/05/2026

Coming together in remembrance can be a powerful step toward healing. 💛

Caring Connections Director Laura Bradbury was recently featured on an episode of PBS Utah Contact to explore how shared moments of reflection can help ease the burden of grief, create meaningful connection, and support a sense of strength for the road ahead.

Our annual Seeds of Remembrance event is just one week away.
This gathering is a welcoming space for anyone carrying loss, offering time to reflect, connect, and to find comfort in community. We will have live music by Paul Jacobsen and an uplifting message from featured speaker George Deussen.

🗓 Seeds of Remembrance
📍 University of Utah College of Social Work (Okazaki Community Room) or Online via Zoom
🕖 May 12 | 7–9 PM

A gathering that honors grief through music, reflection, and shared community.

04/28/2026

Grief can feel isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. 💛

Caring Connections Social Worker Taryn Hiatt visited ABC4 Good Things Utah this morning to share how our upcoming Seeds of Remembrance event offers a space for healing, connection, and hope.

This annual gathering is designed to help those grieving the loss of a family member or friend to come together, honor memories, and find support in community.

🗓 Seeds of Remembrance
📍 University of Utah College of Social Work (Okazaki Community Room) or Online via Zoom
🕖 May 12 | 7–9 PM

The event is free and open to anyone navigating loss or looking for additional support.

University of Utah College of Nursing Good Things Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – If you are struggling with grief, there is help and hope at a free event for you. The University of Utah’s Caring Connections program is bringi…

04/03/2026

Caring Connections is proud to support NAMIWalks Utah on May 16, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan, UT! 💙

It takes courage to admit you need help with your mental health; it’s pretty common knowledge by now. Statistics remind us that the average delay between symptoms’ onset and treatment is 11 years. That's far too long for anyone to wait, and it's why your support matters.

It also takes bravery to break out of your routine and step into the role of caregiver, or in the case of joining NAMIWalks 2026, becoming a hope-giver.

But it’s worth it. Ask anyone whose life has been made better through the services, programs, guidance, and education of NAMI, the beneficiary of the funds you raise.

Caring Connections is a grief program at the University of Utah College of Nursing. We offer grief support groups for those who’ve lost someone to su***de and substance use disorders. We believe in supporting grieving people and reducing stigma around su***de and substance use disorders.

Please consider joining our Caring Connections team or come out to the event and walk with us as we raise awareness and support for mental health in our community.

I'm supporting NAMI!