New Grief Support Group Offers Help to Families Coping with Overdose Deaths
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Categories: Grief and Loss, News and Community
Recent news reports about court cases and settlements with
pharmaceutical companies have focused attention on the need for more
resources to prevent opioid overdose and support treatment and recovery.
According to statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),
in 2017, Ohio had the second highest rate of opioid overdose deaths in
the U.S., with 4,293 deaths. That rate is nearly three times higher than the
national average.
Along with the need for recovery, treatment and prevention programs, it is critical to provide resources to support thousands of people who have tragically lost loved ones to opioid overdose. Hope and healing are available in a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental setting through a newmonthly support grief group: “Healing the Heart: Grief After an Overdose Death.”
Co-facilitated by Katie Sutton, a bereaved parent, and Shawn Eigenbrode,
a Bereavement Coordinator with Western Reserve Grief Services, the group
meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Hospice of the
Western Reserve’s East Campus, 34900 Chardon Rd., Suite 105, Willoughby
Hills.
There are unique and significant aspects of grief following opioid overdose
deaths. “There are always myriad emotions when someone dies,” Shawn said. “However, when a loved one dies from an overdose, difficult emotions such as shame, blame, loneliness, fear and anxiety also surface. Meeting with others who have gone through a similar experience can provide hope and healing.”
There is no cost to attend the group, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Shawn at 216.486.6364 or via email: seigenbrode@hospicewr.org.