History of ADEC
In 1976, a group of interested educators and clinicians organized the
Forum for Death Education and Counseling. Over the years, the
organization grew to become the Association for Death Education and
Counseling® (ADEC). ADEC is the oldest interdisciplinary
organization in the field of dying, death and bereavement.
ADEC’s primary goal is to enhance the ability of professionals
and laypeople to be better able to meet the needs of those with whom
they work in death education and grief counseling.
As a nonprofit organization, the membership is made up of educators,
counselors, nurses, physicians, hospital and hospice personnel, mental
health professionals, clergy, funeral directors, social workers,
philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, physical and recreational
therapists, health well-being specialists and volunteers. All persons
are welcome to join regardless of color, national origin, creed or
gender. ADEC works to promote and share research, theories and practice
in dying, death and bereavement.
View the list of Past Presidents .