Member Profile

Merilynne Rush, MSHP, BSN has a unique background as a home birth midwife, hospice nurse, home funeral guide, green burial educator, advance care planning facilitator, and practicing EOL doula and trainer. In addition, she has done extensive volunteer birth and death work in developing countries. Merilynne co-founded NEDA and served as it’s first President for 2.5 years.

The Dying Year EOL doula training is six-weeks long, with 3.5 hours of synchronous online learning each week and follow-up mentoring. It is facilitated by 5 experienced doulas, with additional steps for optional certification. We emphasize social justice, cultural humility, and inclusive care especially in marginalized communities.