On Tuesday, October 15, LincolnHealth’s Obstetrics Department will lead a candlelight vigil to recognize and honor pregnancy and infant loss. The community is invited to participate in this event which will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the causeway at the LincolnHealth Miles Campus.

“In the care we provide to families on the maternity unit, we have seen firsthand the lasting impact of losing a baby, whether it be during pregnancy or after the baby arrives,’’ said Angela Russ, Nurse Manager of the Obstetrics Unit at LincolnHealth. “This event is meant to create a safe space for families to honor that loss.”

White bags and candles will line the causeway, contributing to what is known as The International Wave of Light, established in 2003. Anyone who has been touched by pregnancy or infant loss is invited to join the vigil in person, but attendance is not required to participate. Community members can request a bag by emailing Kimberley.Paradee@mainehealth.org. Bags can also be picked up in the Women’s Center office at the Watson Health Care Center on the Miles campus, as well as the Obstetrics Department in the hospital.

On the day of the event, bags can be brought to the event. They will be collected and have candles placed inside before being placed along the causeway’s sidewalk.

The month of October was established as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988. For more information, please email Kimberley.Paradee@mainehealth.org.

With campuses in the coastal communities of Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta, Maine, and primary care offices in Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Waldoboro and Wiscasset, LincolnHealth is a full-service healthcare system and is part of MaineHealth.