Forum Organizers: Let's Talk About Death

Starting next month, a new event series at IUPUI is looking to make an uncomfortable subject —death — easier to talk about.

The School of Health and Rehabilitation Services at IUPUI plans to host the first in a series of three “Death Cafes,” forums for the public to talk about death and dying in a frank, open way.

Elaine Voci, who will moderate the discussions, started hosting her own cafes last summer. She says that because death is considered taboo in many circles, attendees embrace a safe, engaged forum to discuss their questions and feelings.

"I think that it generally produces a feeling of relief and gratitude in people that this is a place where we can talk about it," Voci said.

IUPUI spokeswoman Brenda Lawless says future health care professionals in particular could benefit from these events.

“They learn about death they don’t really talk about it, if not for an extended period of time," Lawless said.

Registration is open to the public, and will be limited to 25 participants to keep the cafes small and intimate. Lawless says if the events prove popular, the school will consider scheduling more in the future.