Springfield Standard

Citizens Memorial Hospice is set to begin an eight-week bereavement support group series on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. The sessions will take place in CMH Community Room 2 at Grand Missouri Bank, located at 1630 S. Killingsworth Ave., Bolivar.

The support group is available at no cost and is open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Valerie Noblitt, director of home care services for Citizens Memorial Healthcare (CMH), explained the intent behind the program: "The support group is designed to educate participants about grief and loss, help them develop coping and adapting skills, and provide emotional support."

Chaplains Austin McCrickard and Dustin Preston from CMH Hospice will lead the sessions, together with counselors Terry Warren, LMSW; Angel Townsend, MSW; Kimberly Lannan, MSW; and hospice coordinator Connie Duryee.

Participants will discuss several topics over the course of the program. These include understanding the grief experience, managing complex emotions, coping with changes that come after a loss, preparing for holidays and special occasions, and finding meaning after losing someone.

Pre-registration for the series is requested. Those interested can contact Connie Duryee at 417-326-3585 for more information or to sign up.