Family Of Suicide Support Group At Rockbridge Area Hospice   Rockbridge Area Hospice (RAH) reaches out to the community in many ways. One such effort is a special support group – facilitated by Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Vickie Kave, LCSW, and staff social worker, Paula Warren, MSW – for those who have lost a friend or family member to suicide. The meetings are held free of charge, 5:30-7:00 pm, the third Wednesday of each month at 315 Myers Street, in the RAH conference room. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November18th. New members are always welcome. Kave explained that the group program is designed to provide opportunities for those who have lost loved ones to share their experiences with others who have suffered similar losses. One in four Americans has been touched by suicide, a far more common phenomenon than generally recognized; yet the attached social stigma often prevents family members from seeking help in coping with their feelings of shame, guilt, and despair. β€œThe support group provides a comfortable setting where bereaved persons can freely express themselves,” she added. This service is supported through generous donations. Such gifts also make it possible for RAH to provide free bereavement counseling to the community. For more information, contact Vickie Kave or Paula Warren at 463-1848.

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