By Jim Parker | September 4, 2025  | hospicenews.com North Carolina-headquartered VIA Health partners has expanded into the home-based primary care arena with the acquisition of Equity Health. Financial terms were undisclosed. Michelle Schmerge, president and founder of Equity Health, established the company about five years ago. Equity Health’s model involves offering a full spectrum of primary care services in the home, with the goals of reducing burden on caregivers, reducing hospitalizations and improving chronic disease management. The company also offers patients and families 24/7 access to a nurse practitioner. “There comes a time in everybody’s life where it’s hard to get out to a clinic. You no longer can drive anymore. You’re dependent on caregivers to get your medical care delivered. There is this massive gap in health care where patients just sort of can’t receive health care in the way they traditionally would, and so they always go to the hospital,” Schmerge told Hospice News. “So we decided to start a home-based primary care practice and deliver care to patients directly in their homes.” The roots of the transaction took hold when a consultant hired by VIA Health Partners introduced the nonprofit’s President and CEO Peter Brunnick to Schmerge. The two also served together on the board of another organization. Equity Health was already on the hunt for potential partners, and as their conversations developed both parties felt that VIA was the right fit, according to Brunnick. VIA Health Partners is an independent, community-based not-for-profit provider of hospice and serious illness care, serving more than 5,000 patients and families daily across 38 counties across the Carolinas. Part of the impetus for the acquisition was to better position VIA for participation in the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access and Community Health (ACO REACH) payment model, according to Brunnick. The organization is currently enrolled in ACO REACH, but felt that home-based primary care could boost patient attributions and better coordinate services for patients aligned with the program, he said. “As we delved into value-based care through ACO REACH, it was very apparent to us that, as a hospice care organization, that we really were not truly managing patient care and therefore getting attribution, because we are somewhat limited,” Brunnick told Hospice News. “And [the Equity Health deal] just seemed like a good opportunity for us.” Currently, Equity Health’s services are scaled through most of VIA Health Partners geographic footprint, with some expansion to come in South Carolina, according to Schmerge. The company may rebrand but won’t do so immediately, Brunnick said. In addition to ACO REACH, offering home-based primary care in time may give VIA Health Partners access to additional payment models and revenue streams that are focused on chronic disease management, Brunnick said. Home-based primary care will also allow for greater continuity of care and smoother transitions into hospice or other specialty services when appropriate. “Now we have this integration where there’s a disposition for those patients to end-of-life care without really breaking up the continuity of care,” Brunnick said. “We’re learning a lot more about non-hospice services, how to really do it the right way. And [Schmerge’s] team is really being able to benefit from understanding end-of-life care and dealing with death and dying. And so we are learning from each other.” This article originally appeared on hospicenews.com : VIA Health Partners Acquires Primary Care Company Equity Health - Hospice News

CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 2, 2025  — VIA Health Partners has expanded its range of services by welcoming Equity Health, a Denver, N.C.–based provider of home-based primary care and wellness services, into its organization. The partnership strengthens VIA’s ability to deliver personalized, coordinated care, especially for patients living with serious illnesses who benefit from being treated at home. Equity Health is recognized for providing high-quality medical care where patients live, reducing the stress of travel, removing barriers to treatment, and ensuring continuity of care. By integrating its team and expertise into VIA Health Partners, patients will have access to a more connected health experience that includes hospice, palliative, supportive, and now primary care services. “Equity Health’s focus on patient-first, in-home care fits hand-in-glove with our mission,” said VIA Health Partners President & CEO Peter Brunnick. “Together, we can offer more services, more expertise, and an even stronger foundation of support for the people we serve.” “Joining VIA Health Partners is a natural next step for us,” said Equity Health President & Founder Michelle Schmerge. “Our patients will keep the trusted relationships they’ve built while gaining access to more resources, more services, and a care team that works together every step of the way.” The integration is effective immediately. Patients will continue with their current providers while gaining expanded services and coordinated support. 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 . About Equity Health Equity Health is a Denver, N.C.–based provider of home-based primary care, wellness, and preventive services. Founded on the belief that quality care should be accessible, equitable, and patient-focused, Equity Health delivers personalized medical care tailored to each patient’s needs. Learn more at www.EquityHealthCares.com .

By Anderson Cooper Reviewed by Grief Counselor Kerstin McMillian, M.A., LCMHCA All There Is - A Podcast Review All There Is is a heartfelt podcast that offers compassionate exploration of grief and loss. Anderson Cooper skillfully guides guests through their personal stories, shedding light on the complex emotions and challenges that come with mourning. The series provides comfort and validation for listeners experiencing grief, emphasizing that it's a natural, universal part of life. With empathy and honesty, All There Is helps us understand that while grief is deeply personal, we are not alone in our pain. It's a meaningful resource for anyone seeking to make sense of loss and find solace in shared human experiences. In Season 3, Episode 10 of All There Is , titled "Doris Kearns Goodwin," Anderson engages in a heartfelt conversation with the esteemed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Doris shares her personal journey of sorting through boxes of papers and mementos with her husband, Dick Goodwin, before his passing. This intimate process allowed them to reflect on their shared history, bringing unexpected insights and deepening their connection in his final days. Doris' experience underscores the therapeutic potential of revisiting cherished memories, and the comfort found in shared reflection. For those navigating their own paths through loss, this episode offers a personal testimony to the healing power of memory and connection. It serves as a gentle reminder that in remembering and sharing our stories, we honor those we've lost and find comfort in the enduring presence of love. The website: https://www.cnn.com/interactive/dealing-with-grief-anderson-cooper/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-there-is-with-anderson-cooper/id1643163707 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 . #AllThereIsPodcast #AndersonCooperPodcast #GriefPodcast #PodcastOnGrief #GriefAndHealing #CopingWithLoss #GriefSupport #DorisKearnsGoodwin #HealingThroughStories #PodcastReview #GriefResources #NavigatingLoss #GriefAndMemory #FindingComfortInGrief #MourningAndHealing #SharedGriefExperiences #TherapeuticStorytelling #HonoringLovedOnes #ProcessingGrief #GriefAwareness #CompassionateGriefSupport #GriefCommunity #PodcastRecommendations #MentalHealthPodcasts #HealingThroughConnection #ReflectingOnLoss #GriefJourney #GriefEducation #EmotionalHealing #SharedStoriesOfGrief

By Lead Grief Counselor Rebecca Tucker, M.A., LCMHC, NCC Summer is Made for Waves Summer is here and maybe the beach is calling your name. Perhaps vacation doesn't sound like much of a priority right now. The water is said to be healing, but what if the ocean water and its surroundings cause more pain? The harsh reminder that the memories made now will look very different. The list of analogies comparing grief and some type of water are endless. Most have likely heard the notion of "grief waves," as our grief will rise and fall like the waves of the ocean. Depending on the ocean you are on, the waves may be fairly small like here on the North Carolina coast. Perhaps your waves are like those of the famous Pipeline of the north shore in Oahu, Hawaii - strong, wild, and unpredictable. These waves are our grief. At times, our grief rolls like thunder coming off the wide ocean. The tears fall fast and the swell in our heart feels as if it might actually burst through our chest. It is heavy and strong, leaving us feeling exhausted and maybe even a bit disoriented. That grief wave was a big one, the one that well-meaning folks have cautioned us. Sometimes these waves are predictable, like death anniversaries, birthdays, holidays. Sometimes we wake up to cloudy skies and a pain so unimaginable that it sees no end, as if we are caught in the riptide of the wave, no closer to finding the surface or a breath without pain. What we often find is the oscillation of big waves that are followed by smaller, more manageable ones. What is always interesting is that the waves do not ever stop. The ocean is constantly moving, shifting, changing. Our grief is the same. We will likely never get to a place where our grief is perfectly still, flat, or static. That is just not the way the ocean, or our grief, works. What we hope to find is that our grief gets more manageable. That might look like getting the right "equipment" for the waves - maybe your metaphorical surfboard is a good support group, the surf coach is healthy coping strategies, a creative outlet, etc. Those are the tools we are tapping into to help ride the wave even when we know we are facing some dangerous surf. Other times, we don't need much to get through the waves of grief because they have softened, either just for the day or over time as a whole. These are the waves that wash over our feet at the edge of the ocean. They can offer relief on a hot day to cool our tired feet. These grief waves offer us the beauty in balance, that while we notice the gentle wave, we also notice the rush of relief and comfort a cool wave on a hot day can bring. The grief wave brings a memory that can be painful to recall but so warming to remember a truly joyous or funny time with your person. As you move about this new phase of life as a grieving person, take notice of your waves and how they impact you. Are you getting knocked down at every turn or are you able to find reprieve in smaller, more gentle reminders of your grief? Even if the ocean feels chaotic and unsettled now, may you find some gentle waves ahead.   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 . #GriefAndHealing #WavesOfGrief #CopingWithLoss #GriefJourney #GriefAnalogies #NavigatingGrief #SummerAndGrief #HealingThroughNature #GriefSupport #GriefResources #FindingComfortAfterLoss #GriefAndSelfCare #GriefAwareness #EmotionalHealing #GriefAndTheOcean #ManagingGrief #GriefWellness #GriefWaves #GriefAndVacation #GriefInSummer #HealingThroughReflection #SurvivingGrief #LivingWithLoss #GriefStories #FindingPeaceInGrief #GriefAndMemory #LossAndHealing #GriefAndSeasons #CopingStrategiesForGrief #MindfulGrieving

By David Cathcart, MDIV How Our Brain Responds to Grief   When we lose a loved one, time seems to move strangely - some days dragging like a slow tide, others disappearing entirely, as if grief had stolen not just our loved one, but our sense of reality as well. The memory lapses and loss of time can be confusing and disorienting, but they are normal aspects of the grieving process. Grief isn't something we move through in neat stages like denial or acceptance. Instead, it's a messy, back-and-forth process that changes over time.   Grief is a universal experience that affects not just our emotions but also how our brain works. Modern research, including the work of Mary-Frances O'Connor, author of The Grieving Brain , sheds light on why grief feels so overwhelming and how our brain helps us heal over time.   O'Connor explains that grief isn't just about sadness; it's also about how our brain tries to make sense of a world that's suddenly different.   When someone we love dies, our brain struggles to adjust. For years, our brain has created patterns and routines around their presence - whether it's expecting them to walk through the door or hearing their voice on the phone. When they're gone, the brain doesn't immediately know how to handle this new reality, which is why the loss can feel so confusing and painful.   Emotions like sadness, anger, and even numbness are linked to how specific parts of our brain react to loss. The amygdala, the part of the brain that processes strong emotions, often becomes overactive, which can make everything feel more intense. At the same time, the parts of the brain that help us think clearly or stay focused, like the prefrontal cortex, might struggle to keep up. This is why it can be hard to concentrate or make decisions while grieving.   Grief doesn't just affect our mind - it affects our body, too. Stress hormones, like cortisol, rise when we're grieving, which can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, or even feeling sick. At the same time, the absence of brain chemicals like oxytocin, which helps us feel connected to others, can make us feel incredibly lonely. The good news is that our brain is built to adapt. Over time, it starts to form new pathways that help us live with the loss. This doesn't mean we stop missing the person, but the pain becomes less overwhelming as we learn to carry it differently. O'Connor describes this shift as moving from "acute grief" - when the loss feels fresh and raw, to "integrated grief"- when we begin to find meaning and joy again, even while remembering the person we lost.   Understanding how the brain processes grief helps us see that it's not just about "getting over it" but about giving ourselves time to adjust. Practices like mindfulness or talking to a therapist can help as they teach the brain new ways to handle the pain. Grief is a sign of how deeply we've loved, and while it's painful, it also shows the brain's amazing ability to heal and grow, even after profound 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 . #GriefAndTheBrain #NeuroscienceOfGrief #HowGriefAffectsTheBrain #BrainAndGriefConnection #EmotionalProcessingOfLoss #NeurologyOfGrief #UnderstandingGriefResponses #GriefAndMentalHealth #CopingWithLoss #BrainChangesInGrief #PsychologyOfGrief #TraumaAndTheBrain #HealingFromLoss #EffectsOfGriefOnTheBrain #BrainFunctionAndGrief #StressAndGriefResponse #NeurobiologyOfGrief #HowLossImpactsTheMind #BrainActivityDuringGrief #CognitiveEffectsOfGrief #MemoryAndGrief #EmotionalRegulationInGrief #MentalHealthAfterLoss #StagesOfGriefAndTheBrain #GriefAndCognitiveFunction #MindBodyConnectionInGrief #HealingAfterLoss #CopingMechanismsForGrief #TheScienceOfGrief #HowGriefRewiresTheBrain

By Patrice Nerone, MDIV, MAPC, LPC Expressing Grief Through Art None of us escape the tragedy of loss. In the throes of our grief, it can seem like we'll never be able to function again. You just want to crawl under the covers and stay in your bed. Coping with the death of a loved one is often challenging and can affect each of us differently. The creative process of making art allows us to express the depths of our sorrow in a unique and personal way. Artmaking is a powerful tool and is especially effective for those of us who aren't comfortable talking about our feelings since it provides a nonverbal means of expression. Reflecting on artwork can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional healing. Creative activity facilitates coping and is known to provide many health benefits. It reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, fosters connection, and improves mood, to name just a few. While there are any number of modalities to choose from, it's important to experiment with a variety of them to see which techniques work best for you. You don't need to possess any special skills; it isn't about producing a work of art suitable for hanging in a museum, it's about the emotional release provided while engaging in the creative process. Try this simple yet impactful technique. You'll need some paper and markers or crayons. Expressive Scribbling: This method bypasses the conscious mind and taps directly into raw feelings, making it particularly effective for individuals grappling with grief. The process involves grabbing a drawing instrument, closing your eyes, and letting your hand move freely across the page. There's no expectation of creating recognizable images. Instead, the movement, pressure, and speed of your scribbles are an external representation of your internal emotional state. After scribbling, you can reflect on the created patterns and even find shapes or images within the chaos, assigning meaning or narratives that resonate with your current feelings of loss and hope.¹ You can enhance the experience by assigning certain colors to represent specific emotions. To the left are some colors and their commonly associated feelings, though your associations may differ due to cultural influence and personal experience. If you are interested in trying other expressive art techniques, here are some suggested activities you might like to experiment with: Creating sculptures, collages, or memory books Dancing or other forms of movement Drama or improvisation Journal writing, or reading or writing poems, stories, or songs Listening to or creating music Painting, drawing, or sketching Photography Yarn crafting ¹ 8 Best Art Therapy Exercises For Grief Recovery. (2024, Jan 22). Retrieved Feb 2025, from Scholistico: https://scholistico.com/8-best-art-therapy-exercises-for-grief-recovery/?srsltid=AfmB0or/V6afVJwa3zQium7UonBfE-GXkRhtZXNQ0RGzXEAbJAZ_B0Za#expressive-scribble-drawings 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 . #ExpressingGriefThroughArt #HealingThroughArt #GriefAndCreativity #ArtTherapyForGrief #CopingWithLoss #CreativeHealing #GriefSupport #ArtAsTherapy #ProcessingGrief #HealingThroughExpression #EmotionalHealing #ArtisticExpression #GriefAndHealing #TherapeuticArt #CreativeGriefSupport #HonoringLovedOnes #HealingThroughCreativity #SelfExpressionInGrief #ArtForTheSoul #PaintingThroughPain #GriefAndTheArts #ExpressiveHealing #UsingArtToHeal #FindingHopeInArt #CreativityAndLoss #GrievingThroughArt #TransformingGriefIntoArt #ArtForEmotionalWellness #VisualHealing #ThePowerOfArtInGrief

By: Naomi Otano, Grief Counselor, LMSW As the last leaves fall and autumn gives way to winter, we're reminded of the natural cycles of change and rest. Grief often follows a similar rhythm, moving us inward as we navigate the colder, quieter months. In the same way that nature slows down, grief invites us to pause, reflect, and honor what we've lost. Autumn: The Season of Reflection and Release In autumn, nature lets go-trees shed their leaves, and the earth prepares for rest. For those grieving, autumn can be a time of introspection, a season when memories come to the surface. We find ourselves looking back, holding close the love and the life shared, while also releasing the burdens of unresolved pain or guilt. Letting go in this season of grief is not about forgetting; it's about gently releasing what no longer serves us on this journey. By doing so, we allow space for quiet acceptance. As the days grow shorter, we settle into a slower rhythm, preparing ourselves for winter's stillness. Winter: The Stillness of Loss Winter is a season of quiet, pure landscapes, a time when everything seems to pause. In the winter of grief, we may feel this same stillness in our hearts. Loss often feels most profound during this time, a raw presence that sits heavy within us. Grief in winter asks us to simply be with our sorrow, to let the feelings settle as they are, without rushing toward resolution. Winter allows us to sit with the silence, honoring the depth of our emotions and the significance of our loss. We might feel isolated, as though we're the only ones moving through this frozen landscape. Yet, winter reminds us that rest and retreat are essential parts of healing. Like the trees that look barren but are storing energy for spring, this stillness has a purpose. We're allowing ourselves the time and space to feel the fullness of our grief, to understand its shape, and to hold it with compassion. Finding Comfort in Winter's Quiet While winter can be a challenging season in grief, it also offers moments of comfort-a reminder that it's okay to slow down, to turn inward, and to honor our needs. In the darkness, we find small moments of warmth: a cherished memory, a conversation, or simply the act of allowing ourselves to rest. As we flow fully into winter, we find that grief is not something to be rushed or overcome but a companion to carry with gentleness. Winter may be long, but it is part of a larger cycle, one that holds the promise of renewal even if we can't yet feel it. By allowing ourselves to sit in winter's stillness, we honor our loved ones, our loss, and the quiet growth taking place within us. 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 . #SeasonsOfGrief #GriefAndHealing #NavigatingLoss #WinterGriefJourney #AutumnReflection #CopingWithLoss #GriefInTheSeasons #FindingStillnessInGrief #HonoringLovedOnes #HealingThroughSeasons #WinterAndGrief #GriefInWinter #ReflectAndRelease #SeasonalGriefCare #QuietHealing #EmbracingGrief #GriefAndRenewal #HealingThroughNature #HonoringLoss #EmotionalHealing #CyclesOfGrief #WinterStillness #GriefAndCompassion #FindingComfortInGrief #SeasonalTransitions #GriefReflection #NavigatingWinterGrief #SlowHealing #ComfortInLoss #GrowthThroughGrief

By: Rev. Walt H. Windley, IV, MDiv, MHA, CISM, Sr. Director Spiritual Care and Grief Services VIA Health Partners has long believed and practiced the theory and principle that no one should have to journey through grief alone. We recognize and celebrate the gift of community, intentionally tailoring our offerings to not only educate fellow grievers and mourners in healthy coping skills and practices but to help reestablish bonds of connectivity and purpose through meaningful fellowship and positive interactions. For some, this may resemble one-on-one counseling sessions or a topic-specific workshop held around a holiday or special event. For others, life may be experienced in a walking grief group or breaking bread for the first time in a restaurant following the death of a spouse. We often describe grief much like the tides of the sea, noting these bursts of feelings may come and go, often triggered in an illogical way that we can't fully control or even begin to plan. It has been our privilege to walk with hospice survivors, families, and community clients since 1978, recognizing that you have gifted us with your presence, vulnerability, honesty, and rawness, allowing us to create a space of authenticity and compassion from which seeds of hope have been planted and grown. And as you have grown, we have grown right along side you. It has been our philosophy to lead with heart and a listening ear, changing organically to better meet your needs in a world that is constantly shifting both in environment and context, apart from assumptions and "false" realities. With that in mind, we are excited to share a few updates concerning our bereavement department's future! First, we are re-working many of our groups to better suit your busy schedules. You will find times that are perhaps more convenient for those who still work full-time and loss-specific groups, like the loss of a parent or the loss of a spouse, that pull together individuals with "like losses" who often share context-specific feelings or thoughts. With the addition of virtual offerings, we hope to capture our clients who are unable to leave their respective offices during the day, that parent who is caring for a child in the home or the one who is no longer able to drive but longs for community connection and a time of processing. Second, we celebrate the connection between movement and grief, recognizing a more holistic approach to engaging the senses allows one to mourn with his or her whole self. You will find the addition of "exercising your grieving heart" opportunities, a new music therapy grief workshop in Greenville, and the extension of expressive arts through a new partnership with Dr. Tyler Starr and the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center at Davidson College. These opportunities build upon our already popular memory bear workshops and host of offerings during the holiday season. Third, after celebrating 25 years of Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp for kids and adolescents, VIA Health Partners has launched a new plan for expansion. A spring day camp will be held on April 5 in Charlotte, followed by two fall camps - an overnight camp experience at Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie and a day camp in the heart of Greenville, SC. This comes on the heels of an inflated staffing model to better serve the individual counseling needs of our growing region. You have spoken, and we are listening! And true to our history and heritage, our grief offerings remain completely free of charge to both hospice families and the community at large. We look forward to incorporating 45 years of learning into our future, walking alongside you like family. 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 . #GriefSupport #VIAHealthPartners #HealingThroughCommunity #CopingWithGrief #BereavementCare #SpiritualCare #HealthyGrieving #GriefWorkshops #LossSpecificSupport #GriefAndHealing #WalkingThroughGrief #HolisticGriefCare #MusicTherapy #ExpressiveArts #MemoryBearWorkshop #MovementAndGrief #VirtualGriefSupport #GriefResources #ChameleonsJourney #GriefCampForKids #GriefAndConnection #CommunityHealing #LossOfASpouse #LossOfAParent #GriefEducation #FreeGriefSupport #SupportingMourners #JourneyThroughGrief #HealingWithArt #BereavementSupport

SHELBY, NC  – Caroline Etters, a sixth-grade student at Kings Mountain Intermediate School, wanted a way to remember her grandfather, and give back to VIA Health Partners, founded as Hospice Cleveland County, who helped care for him in his final days. With the help of her friend Caroline Ruffalo, the two decided to sell Lemonade at the Kings Mountain Country Club Member Guest Golf Tournament on September 7, 2024, where her grandfather, Stoney Jackson, loved to play golf. Caroline’s sister, Hadleigh Etters, and her cousin Zoey Etters, also helped sell Lemonade at the event and raised $300 for VIA Health Partners. In addition to her grandfather, the organization also served two of Caroline’s uncles, Don and Elbert Oliver, as well as her other grandfather, Zeb Etters. “It was our honor to help such a great organization who has been there for our family many times when we needed them,” said Sandy Etters, Caroline’s grandmother. Pam Sharts, Marketing, PR, and Special Events Manager for VIA Health Partners accepted the check. “These sweet little angels worked so hard and were excited to bring us their check,” said Sharts. “It is community support such as this that enables us to provide excellent care and support to patients and their families during the most difficult time regardless of ability to pay.”   VIA Health Partners offers hospice and palliative services spanning 35 counties across North and South Carolina. The VIA Health Partners Cleveland County office serves as the hub of the Western Region which includes Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, and Polk counties. About VIA Health Partners  VIA Health Partners began as Hospice at Charlotte, the state’s first hospice, and was incorporated in 1978.  Later, Hospice at Charlotte operated under the name Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR) for decades before changing its name change to VIA Health Partners in 2023.  In Fall 2020, Hospice Cleveland County and HPCCR merged.  Today, VIA Health Partners serves over 4,000 patients on any given day across 38 counties in both North and South Carolina.  For more information, visit www.viahp.org .

By: Jasmine Blue, Grief Counselor, M.A. Gerontologist and Death Doula Tis the Season to be Jolly, or is it? It begins with fall festivals, Halloween costumes, carving the turkey, and watching the Thanksgiving Day football games, followed closely by making mom or dad's favorite holiday dish while listening to Christmas carols. Hot cocoa, gift wrapping, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire complete the holiday picture. Children are excited to open gifts; trees and wreaths are decorated in red, green, silver or gold. The holiday season is here. We've always heard that holidays are joyous occasions spent with those we love the most, but what happens when the one we love the most is no longer here? For many, the holiday season can be difficult to enjoy when grieving because we miss our loved ones more than usual. It can feel empty and overwhelming. As the holiday season approaches, please know that it is okay to hold space for your feelings and emotions. During this season, you may find yourself wanting to be alone and maybe triggered by things happening around you. Here are some common responses or signs to grieving during the holiday: Being reminded of memories: Whether it is from family members talking about your loved one or seeing pictures in a family photo album, there will be times during the holiday that you are reminded that your special person is not physically with you. Emotional heaviness: Emotional heaviness is common during the holidays. Some may experience a feeling such as when their person first died: heaviness in your chest or pain, headaches, anxiety, excessive crying and social withdrawal. Social Overload: During the holiday you may have friends or your social network reaching out to plan socials or events. It may feel a little overwhelming or you may feel bad about canceling. Being socially overwhelmed can happen, and that's okay. Here are some coping strategies to help this holiday season: Set realistic expectations for yourself. Don't try to overschedule social events. Do what is best for you. Don't be afraid to ask for a rain check. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Allow yourself to feel joy, sadness and/or anger - ALLOW YOURSELF TO GRIEVE. Draw comfort from doing for others (family, friends, coworkers, church members). Honor your loved one by creating new traditions (lighting candles at the dinner table and/or sharing precious memories of your loved one at the dinner table). Do something nice for yourself (whatever your heart desires) but most importantly, take care of yourself. Remember self-care practices. Give yourself grace . All these things are helpful in coping with grief during the holidays; but most importantly, know there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holiday when you've lost a loved one. Although "tis the season to be jolly," take some time for yourself to grieve and know that you can and will get through this holiday season.

By: Rebecca Tucker, Lead Grief Counselor, M.A., LCMHCA, NCC A new season is, yet again, upon us. The temperatures are beginning to drop, the stores are stocking all things pumpkin and apple spiced, and the glow of the Friday night lights are illuminating the local football fields. Whether you fancy yourself a football novice or have the entire Atlanta Braves roster memorized, there is a palpable energy surrounding this time of year and the fall sports surrounding us. Fresh off another exciting Olympic games, our news has rolled right into a smorgasbord of sports coverage. Baseball is approaching the end of the season, preparing for the World Series. Football teams of all levels are gearing up for a battle on the field, clad in helmets and cleats, fighting for the recognition and glory of a win. The promise is high, but what happens when we lose?   When the game is over, we have to return home to a scenario we knew was possible but did not want to believe. The idea of loss hurts... a lot. We put so much effort into getting a win and being victorious. Loss is actually something so pervasive that it often eludes us in just how frequently we encounter it. As a society, we are often very loss-averse, meaning we do not like to talk about loss and the grief that accompanies that loss. Yet when the loss is from something more "surface" like a sports team losing a game or match, we are more than comfortable engaging in discussions of loss. Sports commentators are paid a rather handsome sum to go and analyze the results. What could we have done differently? Why did the coach make that call? The conditions just were not right out on the field. Sometimes we call this being a "Monday morning quarterback." We relive all the scenarios that could have changed the outcome of the game. We have entire networks dedicated to parsing out the details of the game and what, if anything, could have been different to make the game better - to have gotten the win.   We are so comfortable rehashing all the details of a somewhat arbitrary game, often at nauseum, yet we rarely talk about the internal dialogue of a similar pattern when our loved one dies. The agony of having to relive every situation, every choice, every dose of medication, can feel like it goes on forever. Did we get her to the doctor soon enough? Did I make the right call on treatment? If only I had advocated for him a little more, would he still be here? We ruminate in this space because we are trying to find answers to a question that, no matter how we answer it, still won't change the outcome.   We are caught in the space of knowing our reality but wanting to think so differently that maybe, just maybe, we will find a hole in the story so we can go back and rewrite it, leaving us with a life where our loved one is still here. So, then, what are we left to do?   It is here where we try and lean into a place of acceptance - not that we are happy with the situation, but we simply let it be what it is. We try to stay in the present moment, acknowledging the pain of the loss, while also allowing the loss to move and change us. Our loss means something because our loved one means something to us, even in death. Our love is what makes this loss so tough. The love is also what keeps us going, be it the love of the game and the persistent daily grind of daily practices, or the love of our people and the excruciating painful choices and beautiful memories we make.   Allow yourself to find space in letting the day, minute, moment be what it is and knowing that even if our outcome was a loss, we did not lose. Love tells us that it will always win.

VIA HEALTH PARTNERS ACHIEVES GOLD STANDARD IN PALLIATIVE/HOSPICE CARE American Heart Association certification recognizes excellence  in quality care           CHARLOTTE, N.C., – July 11, 2024 –  VIA Health Partners has earned the prestigious Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure Certification  from the American Heart Association®  the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. This certification acknowledges VIA Health Partners' commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for heart failure patients.   The American Heart Association's rigorous certification process evaluates palliative and hospice care agencies against science-based standards, ensuring patients receive care that aligns with the latest guidelines.   “VIA Health Partners' certification helps assure patients and families can have confidence that their end-of-life heart failure care is coordinated and follows the latest evidence-based guidelines,” said Rabia Malik, M.D., American Heart Association volunteer expert and associate medical director at Anthem. “We’re pleased to have VIA Health Partners join the national network of American Heart Association Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure certified agencies.”   As an independent, community-based nonprofit provider of hospice and serious illness care, VIA Health Partners  serves over 4,000 patients and families daily across 32 counties in the Carolinas. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, VIA Health Partners is committed to delivering compassionate and exceptional care   "This certification is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to providing exceptional care for our patients with heart failure," said Peter Brunnick, president and CEO of VIA Health Partners. “We're proud to partner with the American Heart Association to ensure our patients receive the best possible care."   The certification signifies confidence that VIA Health Partners: Uses a standardized method of delivering services based on current standards aligned with American Heart Association science. Meets rigorous requirements to improve care and quality of life for heart failure patients. Has been recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to excellence.   Media Contact: Peggy Brookhouse                        704.488.2753                        peggy@brookhousegroup.com