North Memorial Partnership Provides Traditional Hmong Clothing for End-of-Life Care

Robbinsdale-based North Memorial Health is taking a step to make an unexpected loss more comforting for Hmong families. The health system has begun offering customary travel clothes used in Hmong tradition for the deceased.

North Memorial Health began providing traditional clothing to Hmong patients at its Robbinsdale hospital in May. 

Jessi Kingston, system director at North Memorial Health, said the clothing offerings are especially helpful for families who may experience unexpected loss.

“To make that available for them, to take that burden off of them, I hope helps them feel supported, seen and respected,” Kingston said. “I hope that people feel that we care about them, that we are giving them dignity and comfort at very challenging times.”

A plastic tub of travel clothes in storage at North Memorial Health – Robbinsdale Hospital.

Keeping End-of-Life Tradition Alive

Many Hmong families have some of the required clothing already, but in some cases, they may not have a complete outfit or are missing key parts. 

Billy Vang, owner of Billy’s Hmong Shop in Maplewood, knows that well. He provides the clothes for North Memorial through a partnership that began in May.

Vang, who is Hmong, has watched some traditions get lost over the years.

“I’ve worked in funeral and cemetery business for almost 20 years, I see the vision that a lot of the younger generation — especially the Hmongs — they don’t know their culture anymore, they don’t know how to prep for their elders anymore,” Vang said.

He’s hoping to keep younger generations in the loop and continue traditions the way each family sees fit. He explained that the travel clothes are crucial:

“We believe that when somebody passes away, they need their clothes to get to the other side to meet with their families and their grandparents or their ancestors, too, so they can recognize them, to accept them as well,” Vang said.

For that reason, Vang said it’s very important they’re wearing the clothing before they pass away.

The items he sells at his shop varies for each tribe, tradition and preference. His store is split into White Hmong, Green Hmong and Modern or Christian Hmong. Each tribe has its own patterns and colors, but every one of the products are made of natural fibers. He also sells cotton pillows, story cloths and other essential items for Hmong funeral services.

Billy Vang explains traditional clothing items available in his shop. Most of the items he sells are for Hmong funerals.

Free to All

North Memorial Health hospitals in Maple Grove and Robbinsdale, as well as its hospice care, are stocked with pieces of clothing for each tribe.

Kingston said staff at North Memorial took part in trainings to learn the significance of travel clothes. A flyer is also available for families who need it. Vang hopes this partnership connects people to their families and to their culture.

“I believe that by a partnership with North Memorial actually builds a bridge and actually helps us educate the community as well,” Vang said.

Vang’s shop in the Maplewood Mall has varying hours, but he said customers can contact him on Facebook messenger. He knows need comes at every hour.

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