Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma and North County Hospice
Commemorate National Hospice Month
Community invited to Hospice-Sponsored Events Planned for November/December
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 –In recognition of National Hospice Month during November, Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma and North County Hospice are sponsoring special events connected to remembrance of loved ones and coping with grief. These Hospice service providers are part of the broad continuum of care offered by St. Joseph Health System here in Sonoma County.
In addition to the upcoming TAPS Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for family members of military personnel who have died, the Sonoma County Hospice branches of St. Joseph Health System also are hosting a Dia de Los Muertos observance, holiday blues grief support drop-in groups, and the annual “Light Up a Life” tree-lighting and remembrance ceremonies, to be held at four central sites within the county.
"We are here to provide support and encouragement during a loved one's journey through a serious illness and ultimately after a time of loss,” said Nina Arbour, Community Education, Volunteer and Grief Services Manager for Hospice. “The work of Hospice is to accompany families as they make decisions regarding their loved one's care, and also to provide support and education in their time of grief."
Hospice is dedicated to delivering quality, compassionate care to patients and families, as well as grief support and end-of-life care and education throughout Sonoma County.
The public is invited to participate in the following special events:
Nov. 15 – Dec. 27, 6 – 8 p.m., Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran Street, Petaluma
Nov. 17 – Dec. 29, 1 – 3 p.m., North County Hospice, 205 East Street, Healdsburg
Dec.2, 7 p.m., Center Park, Petaluma
Dec.3, 6 p.m., Railroad Square, Santa Rosa
Dec.4, 6 p.m., Star of the Valley Catholic Church, Oakmont
For more information on the events and support groups listed above, please visit the Hospice Services website at seriousillness.org/Sonoma-Marin.
About Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma and North County Hospice
As programs offered by St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma County, Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma and North County Hospice are dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for patients and families facing life-threatening illness. Grief counseling and support services are also provided to hospice families and members of the community. These services are provided at no charge to patients and families and are supported by donations received through the generosity of the community and fundraising events.
About St. Joseph Health System, Sonoma County
St.Joseph Health System – Sonoma County is an integrated healthcare delivery organization sponsored by the St. Joseph Health Ministry. Its mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange by improving the health and quality of life of the communities it serves. Entities include Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Petaluma Valley Hospital, Memorial Hospice, Hospice of Petaluma, North County Hospice, St. Joseph Urgent Care Centers, and St. Joseph Home Care Network. The organization offers residents of the Redwood Empire a spectrum of healthcare services. These include general acute care hospital services, trauma services, urgent care services, health prevention and promotion, outpatient behavioral health care, palliative care, rehabilitation, home care, and community benefit programs that improve the health of our communities and the quality of life in Sonoma County.