CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, Colorado, has introduced new monthly grief support groups to assist individuals coping with various forms of loss. Organized by the hospital’s Spiritual Care Department, these free sessions are open to the public and aim to provide a supportive environment for emotional and physical well-being.
The hospital cited research indicating that those experiencing grief may face increased risks of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. By offering these support groups, St. Anthony North Hospital seeks to address not only the emotional but also the physical impacts of grief within its community.
“Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey, and it’s essential to provide spaces where individuals feel safe and supported in their healing process,” said Mary Beth Kirven, staff chaplain at St. Anthony North Hospital. “These support groups are designed to offer a nurturing environment for sharing experiences, fostering connections, and ultimately, promoting both emotional and physical well-being for our community members. We encourage anyone experiencing grief, in any of its forms, to join us.”
The initiative will cover a range of losses including bereavement as well as ambiguous losses like divorce, job changes, chronic pain, or becoming a caregiver. This approach recognizes that grief can arise from many life events beyond the death of loved ones.
Meetings will take place at the Cancer Center at St. Anthony North Hospital. The daytime group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the third Thursday of each month; an evening group is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday monthly. Registration is not required.
Participants will have access to a confidential setting where they can share their experiences with others facing similar challenges.
