Compass Regional Hospice Supports the Purple Movement Even After September
Compass Regional Hospice joined the many businesses, non-profits, and community members who stepped up to support the Purple Movement during the month of September. This program offers the opportunity to raise awareness and lower the stigma surrounding substance abuse in our communities.
Counties across the shore have embraced this initiative, educating the public and our youth about the dangers and signs of substance abuse. Acknowledging that substance abuse has become a growing problem in the surrounding counties, Compass Regional Hospice and their staff chose to “Go Purple” during September—sharing resources, hanging ribbons, and sporting purple throughout the month, but they haven’t stopped there.
After recognizing an increasing need, CRH added a monthly “Recovering After a Substance Passing” grief group to their list of ongoing support programs. Held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Compass Regional Hospice, this event is designed to be engaging and welcoming to those who are suffering the loss of a loved one due to an overdose death. Grief Support Supervisor Rhonda Knotts said the group includes dinner, fellowship, guided conversation or activities, and the occasional guest speaker. Chief Executive Officer, Heather Guerieri, emphasized the need for such a targeted group, “Compass Regional Hospice aims to stay aware and ahead of the issues that our communities face, and right now that looks like support for loved ones effected by the opioid epidemic. Our grief services are designed to serve all members of Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties, not just those who have had a loved one in our care.”
Grief following a drug overdose is often very complicated and can be different from other forms of grieving. An untimely and traumatic death can cause intense emotional reactions in loved ones, including guilt, shame/stigma, anger, anxiety and fear, and isolation. “These can be very destructive and toxic emotions in those grieving, and can also be difficult to overcome,” Knotts said. “Survivors often feel the people around them can’t or don’t care to understand their situation or their complex emotions. This leads to survivors oftentimes left to grieve alone. We want you to know that you aren’t alone and that this is a safe space for you to come and open up, or don’t, maybe just listen or enjoy a time of fellowship with those who understand your situation and can help you bridge the path to healing.”
To learn more about the RASP grief support group, to register or to learn about other grief support programs and services available through Compass Regional Hospice, contact Rhonda Knotts at 443-262-4109 or rknotts@compassregionalhospice.org.
