Baltimore, MD — The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC®), The Thanatology Association®, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of leadership in the interdisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement. Since its founding in 1976, ADEC has served as the only international professional membership organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and practice in the field of thanatology.

With more than 1,500 members worldwide, ADEC brings together psychologists, physicians, counselors, social workers, hospice professionals, educators, researchers, clergy, and volunteers who share a commitment to improving how society understands and responds to loss.

“ADEC began as a small group of individuals who wanted to bring greater awareness to the field of death, dying, and bereavement,” says Jennifer Matthews, a leader within the organization. “Over the years it has grown into the leading interdisciplinary organization devoted to understanding and supporting the human experience of loss.”

Advancing Excellence in Death Education and Grief Counseling

ADEC’s mission is to promote excellence and recognize diversity in death education, care of the dying, grief counseling, and research in thanatology. Through its conferences, professional training, publications, and research initiatives, the organization equips professionals with evidence-based knowledge and practical tools to support individuals and families navigating loss.

The organization also helps establish professional competencies, ethical standards, and research-informed practices that guide grief education and counseling.

“ADEC provides evidence-based grief-informed training, webinars, and a conference filled with professionals who work with people experiencing bereavement,” Matthews says. “Our goal is to ensure that grief education and death education are recognized as professional disciplines with standards and competencies that help practitioners serve their communities well.”

A Global Vision for a Grief-Informed Society

Looking toward the future, ADEC envisions a world in which dying, death, and bereavement are recognized as fundamental aspects of the human experience rather than topics hidden from public conversation.

The organization continues to expand its international reach and public engagement. Through initiatives such as the 50 Futures Global Fund, ADEC will support the distribution of digital grief education resources, training opportunities, and micro-grants to communities around the world.

“As grief becomes more visible in public conversations—from global conflicts to personal losses—there is a growing need for a grief-informed society,” Jennifer adds. “ADEC is uniquely positioned to contribute research, cultural understanding, and professional guidance to that conversation.”

Celebrating 50 Years

ADEC’s 50th anniversary honors the founders who first gathered to advance the field of thanatology, as well as the generations of professionals who have expanded the organization’s influence across healthcare, counseling, education, and community services.

“Fifty years of growth, global impact, and grief education reflects the dedication of our members and the continued relevance of our work,” Matthews says. “As long as people experience loss—and they always will—there will be a need for compassionate, informed professionals to guide them.”

Professionals, students, and community members are invited to join ADEC in celebrating this milestone and to learn more about the organization’s work to support individuals, families, and communities facing loss.

For more information about ADEC and its programs, visit:
www.adec.org