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National Death Doula Day

On National Death Doula Day, we honor those who provide compassionate end-of-life care and support. Let's recognize their important role in our lives.

Tuesday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to honor and recognize the important role of death doulas on National Death Doula Day on April 20! This day was created in 2019 by the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) to bring awareness to the work of death doulas – compassionate and trained individuals who support dying individuals and their loved ones during the end-of-life process. Death doulas offer comfort, guidance, and advocacy during this difficult time, ensuring that every person has a peaceful and dignified transition. Let's take a moment to appreciate these amazing individuals and their valuable contributions to our society.

TIMELINE

National Death Doula Day Timeline

Hospice Movement Begins

The modern hospice movement, which influenced the development of the death doula role, began in the United States, integrating palliative care into various healthcare settings.

Birth of Death Doula Concept

The concept of doulas providing end-of-life care started to develop in the late 1990s, emerging from the growing death positivity movement.

First Death Doula Program

The first formal death doula program in a hospital was initiated at New York-City based Continuum Health Partners, offering comprehensive end-of-life support services.

INELDA Formation

The International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) was formed in 2015, providing training, certification, and leadership in the death doula field.

First National Death Doula Day

INELDA established the first National Death Doula Day on April 20th, 2019, to bring awareness to the work of death doulas and honor their contributions to end-of-life care.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Death Doula Day

Attend a death doula workshop

Find a workshop or training event in your area to learn more about death doulas and their important role in end-of-life care. It's a great way to honor National Death Doula Day and educate yourself on this meaningful profession.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a hospice or nursing home

Spend some time with patients near the end of life by volunteering at a hospice or nursing home. Bring joy and comfort to those in need and recognize the important work that death doulas do every day.

HOST

Host a discussion on end-of-life care

Gather friends and family for a thoughtful discussion on end-of-life care and the role of death doulas. This can be a powerful way to raise awareness and celebrate National Death Doula Day.

CREATE

Create a memory book for a loved one

Honor the memories and life of a loved one by creating a memory book filled with photos, stories, and mementos. This can be a healing and meaningful way to celebrate National Death Doula Day.

Share information on social media

Spread awareness about National Death Doula Day by sharing articles, facts, and personal stories on social media. Use hashtags like #NationalDeathDoulaDay or #EndOfLifeCare to join the conversation and educate others.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Death Doula Day is Important

It honors the work of death doulas

Through celebrating National Death Doula Day, we pay tribute to the dedication and hard work of death doulas, who often work tirelessly to provide comfort and support to those facing the end of life. It's an opportunity to show gratitude for their important role in making this difficult time a bit easier for individuals and their families.

It raises awareness about end-of-life care

National Death Doula Day shines a light on the important role of death doulas in providing support, comfort and guidance to individuals and their families during the end-of-life process. This helps to bring attention to an often overlooked aspect of healthcare and encourages conversations about end-of-life care planning.

It promotes empathy and compassion

Death doulas are trained to provide emotional, spiritual and practical support for individuals and their families during one of life's most difficult journeys - death. By recognizing National Death Doula Day, we can help spread awareness about the importance of empathy, compassion and kindness towards those who are dying or grieving.

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