(Falls Church, VA, Thursday, May 28, 2020) – Families across the country, and right here in the Washington, DC area, are experiencing the unthinkable: having a loved one die without the opportunity to say goodbye because of restrictions on social gatherings.

To support these families, Capital Caring Health, the largest non-profit provider of elder health, advanced illness, hospice and at-home services in the area, is offering virtual grief support groups. All groups are led by a trained Grief Counselor and available to anyone in need of support and free of charge.

Marcie Fairbanks, director of family services, explains the importance of virtual grief support during social distancing orders.

SOUNDBITE #1:

WE OFFER A NUMBER OF FREE ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PEOPLE WHO’VE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A LOSS. WE RECOGNIZE THAT GATHERING TOGETHER TO REMEMBER A LOVED ONE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF HEALING FROM GRIEF, BUT COVID-19 HAS REALLY MADE THAT DIFFICULT FOR MANY FAMILIES.

SOUNDBITE #2:

COVID-19 IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ALL OF US AND HARDEST FOR THOSE WHO LOSE A LOVED ONE OR FACE SERIOUS HEALTH CHALLENGES THEMSELVES. NOT BEING ABLE TO GATHER TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER CAN MAKE THE GRIEVING PROCESS EVEN HARDER. WE OFFER FREE, ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS THAT ARE TAILORED TO HELP NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF LOSS YOU’RE EXPERIENCING.

For more information, visit www.CapitalCaring.org.