By Sarah Little, MA, Counseling Beyond the First Goodbye: Understanding Secondary Losses, Especially During the Holiday Season When a loved one dies, the first heartbreak is their physical absence. Over time, however, another layer of grief often emerges. These 'secondary losses' are the quiet, unexpected changes in daily routines, family roles, and personal identity that rarely receive sympathy cards or outside acknowledgment. Although the loved one's absence is felt immediately, these added losses can surface months or even years later, making them difficult to understand and manage, especially during meaningful milestones or the holiday season. For hospice survivors, secondary losses often begin with the abrupt end of the caregiving role. Daily schedules may have been anchored around medical appointments, medication management, or worrying over the next medical crisis. A void opens when these routines abruptly stop. Survivors are not only grieving a loved one, but the purpose, structure, and planning that drove daily life. Life after loss can also require a redefining of identity. There may be a shift from constant companion, spouse, or dedicated caretaker to someone navigating a quiet and empty home. These identity changes may also significantly alter friendships, family dynamics, and other relationships. The holiday season magnifies secondary losses because holidays are built on traditions and shared roles. Maybe the person who died was the family chef or the coordinator of gatherings. The presence of an empty chair can highlight the loss of a shared future and milestones that were to be experienced together. Additionally, secondary losses can sometimes involve a rupture in faith, or faith support systems, which can feel especially difficult during the holidays. Managing this layered grief during a season that has societal pressures to be cheerful requires a lowering of internal and external expectations. Holiday grief encompasses all the small, fragile pieces of daily life that shifted with loss. Acknowledging these shifts allows for a gentle approach to a difficult season, honoring the primary and secondary losses, and the deep love that inspired them all. Helpful Tips Name your specific losses Give permission to mourn things that do not have an official obituary. It is completely normal to grieve a lost habit, a full house, or altered family traditions. Establish gentle boundaries Communicate openly with well-meaning family and friends. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others. Introduce flexible rituals Do not apply pressure to recreate the past perfectly. Honor a loved one with low-stress actions, such as lighting a candle, playing their favorite song, or cooking a favorite dish. Holidays will be different but can still hold meaning. Seek support Talking with a professional grief counselor, clergy, grief support group, or even attending a workshop aimed at grief support during the holidays can be helpful when navigating the losses unique to the holiday season. Source: What's Your Grief. (n.d.). After a death: The holidays are a secondary loss. https://whatsyourgrief.com/after-a-death-the-holidays-are-a-secondary-loss. What's Your Grief. (n.d.). A deep dive into secondary loss. https://whatsyourgrief.com/a-deep-dive-into-secondary-loss We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By Janella Poda-Henry, MA, LCMHC, LPC Movie Review: I Still Believe I Still Believe is a heartfelt biographical drama based on the true story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp. This story shares his journey through love, loss, and enduring faith. His faith is not a static or an unchanging belief but is a faith tested through the complexities of life. Jeremy's journey, and that of his beloved Melissa, is an uphill battle highlighting their raw experiences of love, illness, loss, surrender, and awe. Together, they face immense pain that challenges their faith, leaving Jeremy and Melissa with difficult questions. A pivotal moment occurs when Jeremy's despair erupts in anger, symbolized by him destroying his guitar in a burst of overwhelming emotion, confusion, hurt, and frustration. This leads him to find a letter written by Melissa that prompts a pause, a moment to question hope amidst the pain. It is only after this that he can begin an honest dialogue with his father, where he expresses his doubts. Jeremy recalls praying for his youngest brother to be born healthy, only for him to be born with disabilities; his father's prayer for his own ministry to flourish, which was met with fading influence; and he prayed for a miracle for Melissa healing, only to face further tragic news. With a voice that breaks, Jeremy asks his father, 'What am I supposed to do with that?' There is not a single answer or simple solution. Instead, the film offers truthful encouragement: we carry the pain and questions, while making purposeful decisions to seek hope, beauty, and love. In this process we may begin to see them emerge through the cracks of loss. Wonderment and awe are threaded throughout the movie starting with a scene of Jeremy and Melissa's first date continuing through the conclusion of the film. This wonderment can become a form of self-compassion, a reminder that life continues and joy remains possible, even while grieving. The practice of wonderment does not replace grief; rather, it coexists with grief. This wonderment can enrich our experiences by reminding us that life, even after loss, can still be full of wonder. By integrating moments of awe into our grieving process, we honor our pain while nurturing hope, connection, and meaning, allowing us to carry love forward, even in the face of tragedy. Reflection Where do you experience wonder and awe? How have you used wonderment throughout life during difficult and challenging times to give yourself pause? Would making time to be around these things, places, or calmness be helpful? What ways can you intentionally choose to make more time to do this in your life? We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By Grief Counselor Jasmine Blue, M.A. A Movie Review - Remarkably Bright Creatures What happens when grief makes people feel disconnected from life, others, and even themselves...and what helps bring them back? That is the question I found myself thinking about while reflecting on the new Netflix movie, "Remarkably Bright Creatures." What makes this story so meaningful is how gently it approaches grief, loneliness, and the human need for connection. The film highlights how loss can quietly impact people in different ways while also reminding us that hope is often found in unexpected places and relationships. One thing that stood out to me is that the movie does not treat grief as something that needs to the "fixed" or "healed." Instead, it acknowledges sadness, isolation, and longing that can follow loss while still leaving room for hope, humor, purpose, and new beginnings. I appreciated how the story balanced emotional moments with warmth and lightheartedness in a way that felt comforting rather than overwhelming. The relationships throughout the movie serve as a reminder that grieving people do not always need answers or advice. Sometimes they simply need connections, understanding, and a reason to keep showing up for life. I also think the movie does a beautiful job of showing that grief can affect people of all ages, yet hope, purpose, and meaningful moments can still be experienced in every stage of life. Overall, this film felt uplifting, thoughtful, and encouraging and I hope you take some time to watch it. It reminds us that even after loss, life can still surprise us with meaningful connections, moments of joy, and reasons to move forward. Grief may become part of our story, but it does not have to be the end of it. Remember, "There's life after grief, just a different one." Questions to think about... In what ways has grief impacted my connection with others or myself? What or what has helped me continue moving forward during difficult seasons of life? What unexpected moments, people, or experiences have brought me comfort, hope, or purpose while grieving? We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By Grief Counselor Kerstin McMillian, M.A., LCMHCA, NCC Finding Your Way Forward: A Guide to Grief Support If you are reading this newsletter* for the first time, we know these pages can serve as a quiet, sometimes difficult reminder of your loss. Whether you are in those first disorienting months of grief or if this bulletin has become a familiar arrival in your mailbox, please know that the team at VIA Health Partners is thinking of you and your family. [*This article first appeared in the 'Bereavement Bulletin' Newsletter; a mailing offered by VIA Health Partners.] We believe grief isn't a problem to be solved or a "phase" to get over. It is a heavy weight we carry. And while you are certainly strong enough to carry it, you shouldn't have to carry it alone. "Do I need counseling?" Many of us were raised with the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality - the idea that if we are still getting our daily chores done, then we must be fine. You may feel that your situation isn't "bad enough" to warrant professional help. However, counseling isn't just for the breaking point. It is a practical tool for anyone trying to navigate a world that looks and feels very different to what it did a year ago. You might find grief counseling helpful if: Daily life feels heavy: You're finding it harder than usual to focus on routines or basic self-care. The "Busy" trap: You find yourself staying frantically active just to keep your thoughts at bay. Physical toll: Your sleep is restless, your appetite has changed, or you feel "drained" all the time. A trusted nudge: A friend or family member has gently suggested that talking to someone might help. What to Expect The hardest part of the process is picking up the phone. We try to make everything after that as comfortable and straightforward as possible. The Connection: We meet you where you are. We offer sessions in person at our offices or via a simple Telehealth video call. The Conversation: Your first hour is simply for your story. There is no "right" way to talk about your loss. Your counselor will ask a few questions to understand your relationship with your loved one and how you're managing day-to-day. The Aftermath: It's normal to feel a little tired after a session. We usually suggest planning something soothing afterwards. The Benefits of Opening Up Counseling offers a unique environment that even the best-intentioned friends and family cannot: total privacy. Companionship in your grief: Together, you'll find new ways of coping with your grief and finding clarity in what feels confusing. An Objective Perspective: It is a safe space where you can be 100% honest without worrying about "upsetting" your children or "burdening" your neighbors. No Financial Barrier: Most importantly, these services are provided at no cost to you. Grief counseling is a benefit already included in our hospice services. How Long Does Counseling Last? Counseling is on your terms. You control how often you meet and when you feel ready to stop. (up to 13 months provided by VIA Health Partners) Initial Stabilization: Many people find that weekly visits for the first two months help them feel much more grounded. Deepening Insight: Continuing for four to six months often allows for more meaningful "aha" moments and better long-term coping strategies. The 13-Month Window: We are with you. Many of our clients find it helpful to have that support through the first full cycle of holidays and anniversaries. Take the Next Step At VIA Health Partners, our team is made up of licensed professionals trained in grief work. We aren't here to "Fix" your grief, but to help you live with it. Even if you feel you are "doing okay," you deserve a space to be heard. Please reach out to us at 704.335.4300 to schedule a conversation. We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By: Rev. David Cathcart, MDiv, Grief Counselor Supporting a Grieving Loved One: Lessons in Listening Supporting someone who has lost a close loved one requires more than comforting words - it requires presence, humility, and intentional listening. Anne Long, in Listening, and Mortimer Adler in How to Speak, How to Listen, both emphasize that genuine listening is an act of love and moral responsibility. Their teachings offer a compassionate framework for accompanying someone through one of life's most painful experiences. Long describes listening as a form of "hospitality" - creating space for another person's story without judgment or correction. For the bereaved, whose inner world often feels chaotic, this kind of listening becomes a sanctuary. It means allowing the grieving person to set both the pace and the content of the conversation. Some days, they may want to share memories; other days they may express anger, confusion, or silence. Long reminds us that listening is not a passive but a deliberate act of attending to another's emotional landscape. To support someone if grief, we must resist the urge to fix their pain and instead honor the meaning behind what they share. Adler adds a practical and philosophical dimension. He distinguishes between passive hearing and active listening - listening that requires discipline, training, and the suspension of self. Active listening involves entering the speaker's frame of reference, working to understand not just their words, but their meaning. This is essential when supporting someone who is grieving, as their speech often comes in fragments, metaphors, or deep emotion. Active listening helps us hear the longings, fears, guilt, or love beneath the surface. Adler also insists that listening should aim at understanding rather than responding. For a grieving person, simply being understood can be profoundly healing. Together, Long and Adler suggest several practices for supporting the bereaved. Create emotional space. Grieving people need room to bring whatever arises without fear of judgment. This means allowing them to talk about their loved one as much and as often as they need. Many mourners worry others will grow tired of their sorrow. By staying present, we affirm that their loss matters and that their relationship continues to hold meaning. Listen with humility. Adler argues that humility is essential because it centers the speaker's experience. In grief support, humility means recognizing that the bereaved is the expert on their own loss. Even if you have experienced grief, your story is not theirs. Avoid comparisons or unsolicited advice. Instead, ask gentle, open questions - "What has been hardest lately?" or "What do you find yourself missing today?" - that invite reflection without steering the conversation. Practice patience. Grief is nonlinear and unpredictable. Long teaches that listening is often more about being than doing. This is especially important in the months after a death, when support from others begins to fade. Continuing to check in, remembering anniversaries, and offering simple companionship reinforces that the grieving person is not alone. Patience also means accepting silence. Adler notes that silence is part of deep listening; it gives space for emotion and thought. Sitting quietly with someone can be more comforting than any advice. Be honest and steady. Adler reminds us that communication relies on sincerity. A grieving person benefits from knowing you are reliable and authentic. If you don't know what to say, it is better to admit it - "I don't have the right words, but I'm here." - than to rely on cliches that minimize their pain. Supporting someone through grief is a sacred responsibility. Long and Adler show that the most meaningful gift we can offer is our attentive presence. By practicing hospitality of heart, humility of mind, and patient, compassionate listening, we create the conditions for the bereaved to express their grief and begin to integrate their loss. Deep listening is not merely a skill, but an act of love that honors both the mourner and the memory of the one they have lost. We're here to support you - We listen. We support. We care. - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

Below is a list of some trustworthy websites, podcasts, and YouTube Channels: www.whatsyourgrief.com This website was created by two grief professionals and authors of the book " What's Your Grief ." It offers materials and resources that cover a range of topics related to grief and loss. They also have a YouTube channel with videos and a podcast that can be found at @whatsyourgrief. You can sign up to have their newsletter delivered to your email inbox. www.refugeingrief.com Megan Devine wrote the book " It's OK That You're Not OK ." Megan's husband died tragically, and she writes about the raw, messy side of grief; as well as the beauty and joy that can exist alongside that. On her website, you will find articles and videos about coping in grief. You can also sign up for her newsletter or listen to her podcast. www.katebowler.com Kate Bowler is a Duke University professor, author, and podcaster that challenges toxic positivity and offers resources for navigating life's difficulties. Her website provides a community-focused platform with podcasts, articles, and support guides to help people navigate hard times, especially grief. Other good websites: www.grief.com www.hospicefoundation.org   We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar

By: Sarah Little, MA, Grief Counselor In times of loss, many people turn to the internet for information, community, and support. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and other outlets can offer valuable grief support, it is important to be cautious about the content you view and the people you interact with online. Be Mindful of Misinformation Not all advice on grief is trustworthy. Some videos or posts may offer harmful, misleading, or overly commercialized content. Look for resources from sources such as hospice organizations, licensed therapists, or well-known grief support groups. If in doubt, check the creator's credentials or look for affiliations with trusted institutions. If you are unsure, as a trusted individual to review the site for you. Protect Your Privacy Grief can make people vulnerable, and certain individuals or organizations can take advantage of that. Be cautious about sharing personal information like your full name, phone number, social security number, passwords, or financial details, especially in comment sections, private messages, or text. No reputable organization will ask for financial information or personal information via text or email. Watch Out for Scams Be wary of anyone offering miracle cures for grief or asking for donations or payments upfront. Scammers sometimes target people in grief communities by pretending to offer help or spiritual services. Never send money using gift cards. No trustworthy organization will ask you to pay using gift cards or ask you to share account details directly with them. This should always be a huge red flag. Take Breaks When Needed The internet and social media can be overwhelming, especially during emotional times. If content leaves you feeling more upset than supported, it's okay to step away. Choose uplifting or calming videos and try to limit screen time. Many grievers utilize videos (TikTok, YouTube, or reels) to distract from grief but should be careful it does not become consuming. You can monitor your screen time on most phones. Pay attention to how much time you are spending online. You can even set a timer to scroll for a set amount of time and then commit to putting down your phone, or shutting off your computer, and then get outside or move on to a more meaningful task. Join Safe Online Communities Look for moderated grief support groups with clear rules and active administrators. Many nonprofits and churches offer safe online forums or Facebook groups specifically for those experiencing loss. Also keep in mind that while grief groups can provide a sense of community in the comfort of your home, they can also easily become overwhelming or consuming of your time and mental energy. If you start to feel a group is taking up a lot of your time, or causing you more distress or anxiety, it may be time to exit and find another support group.   We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar .

www.wcnc.com Pete Brunnick, President & CEO of VIA Health Partners speaks on Charlotte Today about providing care that moves with the needs of the patient, from primary care services through to hospice services. As health needs change, navigating multiple doctors, services, and decisions can feel overwhelming for patients and families. VIA Health Partners is working to simplify that experience with a care model that stays with the patient, from home-based primary care to palliative care and hospice services.   About VIA Health Partners VIA Health Partners is an independent, community-based not-for-profit provider of hospice and serious illness care, serving patients and families in thirty-eight counties across the Carolinas. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, VIA Health Partners provides exceptional, compassionate care for more than 5,000 patients and their families each day. Learn more at www.viahp.org .

Joyce with some of the family members who nominated her for the DAISY Award Honoring Compassion: Lake Norman’s Joyce Davis Receives the 2025 Q3 DAISY Award Being nominated for a DAISY Award is a tremendous honor that exemplifies the kind of care a nurse provides to her patients.  So, when Joyce Davis was nominated not once… not twice… but three separate times  by two different patient families  … all we could say was WOW!   On Wednesday, October 29 th , the Lake Norman office, along with some family members who nominated Joyce, came together to present her with the DAISY Award at a surprise celebration. Joyce with Nicole Wolfe, Regional AVP NC East The following is just one of the nominations she received: My husband battled with ALS for several years. I am his full-time caregiver and cheerleader. Last year, upon entering Hospice, we were fortunate to have Joyce Davis, RN, with VIA Health Partners, assigned. She is now a cherished part of our support community. Joyce wears many hats, and they all fit well! She is first and foremost an exceptional nurse, and she cared for my husband in a compassionate way with some humor tossed in for good measure.  I have to believe that he received the same level of care that her family members would. And it’s not just a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, or thermometer in her bag of tools that she uses. Joyce engaged with him and talked to him about things he was interested in. Joyce is also an educator. I learned something new almost every visit, which empowers me to better care for my husband.  And did I mention she’s patient and willing to answer the same question or show me the same procedure as if I’ve never asked or seen it before? Joyce is available, and between visits, I can usually reach her for a quick phone call – assuming she’s not with other clients.  This puts me at ease to know that I can contact Joyce when I’m worried about something, and don’t have to wait until the next visit. Joyce is a good listener and encourager and takes an interest in our family and friends.  She invests time with us, which tells me she cares!  She always tells me I’m doing a good job, which may or may not be true, but it means a lot coming from her! Some may read the above and think that Joyce is just performing her job description, but I know better.  Whether she is wearing a nursing, educator, listener, encourager, or interested party hat, Joyce always shows up for both of us with kindness and professionalism. There are nurses who perform their jobs and nurses who share themselves as they care for others.  Joyce falls into the latter category. Even though we’re pretty sure he will not win his battle with ALS, we are so grateful to have Joyce as part of our support community and in our foxhole! With gratitude, Family Member Thank you, Joyce, for making all of us at VIA Health Partners proud that you are on our team!   How can YOU get involved? Nominate a Nurse: Do you know a nurse who consistently goes above and beyond? Nominate them for The DAISY Award! https://app.formdr.com/practice/NDMwMzI=/form/X2lvAFxwlEbzo_-cKi0pjBIDc2Jnt4d6 Spread the Word: Encourage colleagues, patients, and families to recognize outstanding nursing care. This DAISY Award program is a significant step in our commitment to honoring and valuing our nursing professionals. We look forward to celebrating our dedicated nurses and making The DAISY Award an integral part of our recognition culture at VIA Health Partners. About VIA Health Partners VIA Health Partners is an independent, community-based not-for-profit provider of hospice and serious illness care, serving patients and families in thirty-eight counties across the Carolinas. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, VIA Health Partners provides exceptional, compassionate care for more than 5,000 patients and their families each day. Learn more at www.viahp.org .

Reviewed by: Suzanne Grafals, LCSW - Grief Counselor with VIA Health Partners A Movie Review - The Life List: A Journey Through Grief, Purpose, and Rediscovery Grief doesn't come with a roadmap; but sometimes, it comes with a list. In this emotionally grounded film, we follow Alex, a young woman navigating the first raw year after her mother's death from cancer. Instead of receiving traditional inheritance money or a company title, Alex is given something far more personal: a list of childhood goals and a final request to rediscover the person she once dreamed of becoming. To receive each heartfelt video message her mother recorded before passing, Alex must first complete a goal. In doing so, her grief transforms into a journey of healing, self-reflection, and unexpected joy. Each completed task peels back a layer of who Alex used to be and who she might still become. What makes these moments powerful is their imperfection. They are simple, real, and full of heart, reminding us that healing doesn't happen all at once. Sometimes, it comes in small, messy steps forward. Rather than offering neat resolutions or polished storylines, the film embraces the nonlinear reality of loss. It reminds us that moving forward doesn't mean letting go. It means carrying love with us into whatever come next. There's no dramatic makeover; no tired cliche about "everything happens for a reason." Instead, there's a quiet, honest truth: you're still here and that matters. Once of the film's most moving themes is reconnection, not just with those we've lost, but with the parts of ourselves we thought were gone with them. There's no forced optimism or empty comfort. Just the reminder that life after loss isn't about finding a silver lining; it's about honoring the love that remains by choosing to keep living. This is a film for anyone learning how to live again in the wake of loss. Tender, raw, and deeply human. It's an honest companion for those walking through grief. Question for Processing Grief and Rediscovery: Think back to your childhood dreams. What's one goal or passion you had as a kid that you've left behind? Could it still have a place in your life? How do you stay connected to those you've lost? Are there rituals, places, stories, or traditions that help keep their memory alive? If you were to leave behind a message for someone you love, what would you want them to remember most about you? What would you want them to carry forward? How are you experiencing healing right now, not as an end goal, but as a living, ongoing process? We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar .

By: Jasmine Blue, MA - Grief Counselor with VIA Health Partners When the Holidays Hurt: Grieving Through the Season For many, the holidays are wrapped in joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for those carrying grief, the season can feel like standing outside in the cold, watching a party you can't seem to join. Grief doesn't take a break for the holidays. If anything, the season can sharpen the ache, highlighting every empty seat at the table and every missing laugh. It's the quietest moments: the decorating, the shopping, the stillness after the festivities end, where loss often screams the loudest. Yet, there is no rulebook for grieving during the holidays or any season meant for celebration. There is only this truth - you are allowed to experience the holidays differently now! Here is what grief during the holidays really looks like: Feeling disconnected, even when surrounded by people. Smiling outwardly while aching inwardly. Feeling pressure to "keep it together" for the sake of tradition. Wanting to skip everything and feeling guilty about it. Remembering "what was" while wrestling with "what is." As you go through this holiday season, remember that grieving during the holidays is not a failure of the "holiday spirit," it is a continuation of love expressed in tears, silence, memories and/or the stubborn courage it takes to show up at all. As you navigate your grief this holiday season, here are 5 gentle reminders : You are allowed to change traditions. If the old ways feel too painful, create something new or do nothing at all. You don't owe anyone your presence. Say "yes" only to what feels safe and supportive. Decline what feels overwhelming. Honor your grief openly. Set a chair. Light a candle, Share a story. Let your loved one's absence be seen and felt. Build in breathing room. Leave space between events. Step outside. Drive alone if you need the freedom to leave early. Find tiny anchors of peace. A warm drink. A handwritten note. A walk at sunset. Small, steady acts of care that carry you through. Remember, you are not behind. You are not broken. You are simply living through a season that asks your heart to stretch in ways others may not understand. This holiday, your grief is not a disruption; it's a testament to love that refuses to be silenced. Grief doesn't ruin the holidays. It reshapes them. It asks us to make room for sorrow and celebration to sit at the same table. We're here to support you - We listen . We support . We care . - Call or message us anytime! For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113  or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form . You may also check our Grief Support Event Calendar for upcoming support group meetings near you at www.viahp.org/grief-support-event-calendar .

VIA Health Partners to Provide Hospice Services in Cumberland County Certificate of Need approval clears path for 2026 launch CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sept. 16, 2025  — VIA Health Partners announced today that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has approved its application for a Certificate of Need (CON) to develop a new hospice home care office in Cumberland County. The decision, issued July 28, authorizes VIA Health Partners to expand its hospice and palliative care services into Cumberland County, meeting a need identified in the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan. The approved project represents an $85,000 capital investment and follows VIA’s longstanding mission to ensure that families facing serious illness have access to high-quality, patient-centered care in their own communities. “This approval marks an important milestone for VIA Health Partners and for families in Cumberland County,” said Peter Brunnick, president and CEO of VIA Health Partners. “Our organization has served patients across the Carolinas for more than 47 years, and we are honored to bring our model of expert, compassionate care to a new region of the state.” As part of the approval, VIA Health Partners is committed to providing culturally competent care, ensuring that hospice and palliative care services are accessible to medically underserved populations throughout Cumberland County. The conditional approval outlines a timetable for implementation that includes opening the new office by spring 2026, with services expected to begin in April 2026.                                                                                              About VIA Health Partners VIA Health Partners is an independent, community-based not-for-profit provider of hospice and serious illness care, serving patients and families in thirty-eight counties across the Carolinas. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, VIA Health Partners provides exceptional, compassionate care for more than 5,000 patients and their families each day. Learn more at www.viahp.org . Media Contact: Peggy Brookhouse                        704.488.2753                        peggy@brookhousegroup.com