Need Grief Counseling During the Pandemic? WebMD talks with the experts.
Coronavirus in Context.
[Washington, D.C.] (January 25, 2021) – WebMD is known for the quality and breadth of information they provide. Over the years, they’ve conducted interviews on a wide range of healthcare topics. In a recent interview, WebMD covered new ground, exploring the topic of grief and emotional counseling, and learned that there are opportunities to access these services in communities across the country, most often free of charge.
Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD, spoke with Carole Fisher, President of The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), and Jennifer Baldwin, Grief Counselor with Capital Caring Health (CCH) to learn more.
As the pandemic reaches the one-year mark, there is significant concern surrounding the impact to mental health. People have experienced so many losses – loved ones, health, jobs, and the ability to live life as we have thus far. Going to work outside the home, going to school at school, being around others without fear of infection.
Grieving the loss of a loved one during COVID-19 has been exacerbated as people may die alone due to risk and restrictions at healthcare facilities, leaving their family devasted from the loss but also the pain of not being at the bedside to say goodbye, hold hands and give one last hug.
People are grieving. More than ever.
What many don’t know is that grief counseling services are offered by many not-for-profit hospice and palliative care programs across the country. This is separate from the hospice benefit and available to the local community, whether or not a family member has received hospice care. Grief Counselors are available to provide counseling on a short-term basis based on a person’s need.
Grief counseling has moved to online platforms during the pandemic in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines yet still provide the care so many people need. Individual counseling, workshops, and support groups are available regardless of age, race and religion.
When asked about the cost, NPHI President Carole Fisher said, “collectively NPHI member programs raise $157M a year to support uncompensated care – programs and services that aren’t funded by anyone. We use these dollars to support these efforts.”
If you or a family member might be experiencing grief or loss, please call 844-GET-NPHI (438-6744) to find an NPHI not-for-profit hospice provider in your area to learn more about the grief counseling services that are available.
https://www.webmd.com/coronavirus-in-context/video/carole-fisher-jennifer-baldwin
About the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a collaborative of 70+ not-for-profit, community-integrated, hospice and palliative care providers from across the United States who play a unique role as a crucial safety net for the sickest, most vulnerable patients in the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.hospiceinnovations.org.
About Capital Caring Health
Since 1977, Capital Caring has simply improved care for those facing life-limiting illness through direct support of patients and their families, public education and advocacy. Capital Caring has over the years provided hospice, palliative care, and counseling to nearly 120,000 patients and their families. Over 1,000 employees and more than 2,000 volunteers provide these services to nearly 3,000 patients each day. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit providers of hospice and palliative care, Capital Caring is proud to provide nearly $3 million in charitable care to families in need annually. For more information, visit www.capitalcaring.org.