We recently connected with Darthula Young and have shared our conversation below.

Darthula, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I Always seemed to be the go-to person for family and friends, to be their advocate when going to their Dr. visits. However, 22 years ago when my mother-in-law became ill with lung cancer she decided against conventional treatment, include surgery. She told me why she made this decision and asked that I talk with her sons and significant other to help them understand her decision. Her decision was quality of life and to die with dignity. She made her plans and prepared for her death even donating her body to science. I admired her for her conviction and the fact that her death was on her terms. As I got older, and family and friends came to end of life they reached out to me for advice and my input on what should they do and how should they prepare for their end of life. I remember reading an interview some years ago about an African American Woman on the west coast who was an end-of-life doula. My first reaction was I can do this.

During the pandemic so many people died without benefit of their loved one being present or knowing what they wanted at end of their life. As the doula movement gained traction, I decided to become certified to ensure that I had the tools and the knowledge to help family and friends as they came to the end of life. While doing this work it became evident that most African Americans do not prepare for end of life nor do we know what to do when someone dies expected or unexpected, nor informed about the available resources, and the levels of care. I decided at that point to establish a nonprofit organization “Rooted in Dignity” to conduct seminars and provide one on one consulting services to families as they and their love one approach end of life. My target market is underserved, overlooked and marginalized communities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have spent many years sitting with family and friends as they came to the end of their life. The three death that had the most impact on me was the end of life of my aunt in law. I spent the last month of her life with her during home hospices. As her life was coming to an end, she told me that I gave her the kind of comfort that she needed as she approached her end of life.

I spent time with a friend who had no family, after he discovered that he had lung cancer I committed to be with him as he went through the many phases of his end of life. Being available to accompany him to dr. visits and treatment, being his advocate with family and friends and while he was in palliative and hospice care and being there as he made his transition. I felt that it was an honor that he asked me to be there for him at the end of his life.

I also had the honor to be with my mother as she came to the end of her life. I spent her last 6 months being with her everyday as she declined physically and mentally. One of the last things that she said when I asked her did, she know who I was she said yes, “my mother”.

Based on my experience over the last twenty odd years support family and friends as an advocate for their doctor visits and supporting them through their end of life journey, I feel that this is my calling. Not everyone can be present at end of life or provide support to the dying person and their family members.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being able to empathize with clients and their families during such a sensitive time is crucial. Demonstrating compassion can help build trust and rapport, allowing me to provide more effective support. Listening attentively to the needs, concerns, and wishes of clients and their families is essential for providing personalized and meaningful support. Clear and effective communication is key in this field. I must be able to communicate with clients, families, healthcare professionals, and other support networks, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding care plans, preferences, and decisions.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

1. Empathy and Compassion: Being able to empathize with clients and their families during such a sensitive time is crucial. Demonstrating compassion can help build trust and rapport, allowing me to provide more effective support.

2. Active Listening Skills: Listening attentively to the needs, concerns, and wishes of clients and their families is essential for providing personalized and meaningful support. It helps me understand their unique situations and tailor your services accordingly.

3. Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is key in this field. I must be able to communicate with clients, families, healthcare professionals, and other support networks, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding care plans, preferences, and decisions.

4. Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness: Recognizing and respecting the diversity of beliefs, values, and cultural practices surrounding death and dying is important. Being culturally sensitive enables me to provide more inclusive and supportive care to clients from various backgrounds.

5. Boundaries and Self-Care: End-of-life doula work can be emotionally demanding, so it’s essential to establish healthy boundaries and prioritize self-care. Knowing when to seek support for myself and when to refer clients to other professionals is crucial for maintaining my well-being and effectiveness in your role.

6. Networking and Collaboration: Building relationships with other professionals in the end-of-life care field, such as hospice workers, palliative care specialists, grief counselors, and funeral directors, can facilitate collaboration and referrals, expanding the support network available to my clients.

8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Each client’s end-of-life journey is unique, and situations can change rapidly. Being flexible and adaptable allows me to respond effectively to evolving needs and circumstances, ensuring that i can provide the most relevant and supportive care possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: rootedindignity.com
• Instagram: rootedindignity
• Facebook: rootedindignity.com
• Linkedin: Rooted in Dignity

Image Credits
The last picture is of Darthula Young giving an interview on Iheart Radio about Rooted in Dignity and our service offerings. The other pictures include participants of Rooted ion Dignity’s end of life seminar at the Salt and Light Church in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.