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April 26, 2023 - golaurens.com Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR), and Hospice of Laurens County, announce their official name change to VIA Health Partners to reflect their expanding mission and continued focus on delivering a unique brand of exceptional care. Over the past 45 years, HPCCR has grown organically and through mergers and regional startup operations, serving 32 counties throughout North and South Carolina. HPCCR has always been proud to include Hospice of Laurens County as a part of the HPCCR family. “After considerable research and deliberation, our leadership and board made the decision to move forward with the name VIA Health Partners, a name that represents both what we do and how we do it,” said President and CEO Peter Brunnick. “The word VIA, by definition, means traveling through enroute to a destination, much like we do when we walk our final journey with our patients and families. The phrase Health Partners also reflects what we do in the health-care continuum. Whether we are working with a health-care system, physicians’ practice, skilled nursing or assisted living community, our goal is to be a value add to their mission and service to patients.” VIA Health Partners will remain an independent community-based non-profit organization committed to serving all citizens in the communities they are located, regardless of their ability to pay or medical complexity. Read the article online at: https://www.golaurens.com/news/hospice-of-laurens-county-now-serving-community-as-via-health-partners/article_af447684-e497-11ed-81fb-cbe28ae07b8f.html

Talking one-on-one with a Grief Counselor helps to make sense of the grief process. The way in which a person grieves is unique to that person. Having a Grief Counselor to help you work through your emotions and thoughts about your loved one, share your memories, and discuss adjustments to life is healthy; it helps you recognize that what you are going through, though painful, is a natural life experience. Typically, a Grief Counseling Session is held at one of our office locations. A session may also occur at a survivor’s residence when they are unable to come to an office. “But during these pandemic times that have prevented face to face meetings, we have found that virtual visits through visual technologies and/or phone visits have become a tremendous venue for survivors and counselors to connect. There will come a time when we do face-to-face visits again, but for now our Grief Counselors are just as available as ever; and they are ready and willing to help you on your path of grief. For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form.

By Larry Dawalt, M. Div., BCC, Senior Director of Spiritual & Grief Care Services Did you know July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month? "It is okay to not be okay." National Minority Mental Health Month was established in 2008 to raise awareness of the fact that mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Even though anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness, background and identity can sometimes make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. For 2021, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is continuing to amplify the message of “You Are Not Alone,” focusing on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health, and acknowledging that it is okay to not be okay. The goal is to create a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle. VIA Health Partners supports the improvement of our country’s mental health system, especially when it comes to serving marginalized communities. We are proud to provide end-of-life care services to everyone, regardless of background, identity or any other minority classification. If you or someone you know could benefit from more information about access to mental health care, please access the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at https://www.nami.org/Home and click on Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. If we can help, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form. You are not alone. We listen. We support. We care.

Some people move mountains on behalf of a righteous cause. Terry Robertson climbed one. Inspired by how VIA Health Partners Chameleon’s Journey grief camp helps children and youth face the challenge of losing a loved one, Robertson figured the least he could do is face a challenge of his own. What better way to show solidarity with bereaved kids and support the cause than to climb the highest mountain in North America? Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) is a mountain in Alaska that rises to a height of 20,310 feet. It’s the third most isolated peak on earth. Half the adventurers who attempt to climb it succeed. The other half fail. One hundred have died. Climbing a mountain. Children who must find a way to live life after a death. For Robertson, the parallels are powerful. So is the answer: You put one foot in front of the other. Robertson owns Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service in Charlotte. He has come to appreciate VIA Health Partners through his profession. His place is beside the bereaved. His calling to offer comfort also comes from a personal place. He’s a cancer survivor. He learned about Chameleon’s Journey, one of VIA Health Partners signature programs, from social worker Beth Brittain, and Larry Dawalt, HPCCR’s Senior Director of Spiritual & Grief Care Services. Dawalt is a guiding force behind the camp, which began in 2000. Robertson made two visits to the camp on Lake Wylie, experiencing the healing taking place. Married with three young children, Robertson also loves the outdoors and hiking. He’s twice climbed Mount Rainier (14,411 feet) in Washington State. Denali has been on his bucket list. He and a college buddy were looking to treat themselves to a 50th birthday present. Can you see where this is going? On May 27, Robertson flew to Anchorage, Alaska, then took a treacherous flight on a small plane to a glacier at the base of Denali. The climb was on, on behalf of a camp and kids 5,000 miles away. With his friend, Leif Anderson, and three guides, they headed up the mountain – a combination of hiking and climbing. Think ropes and ice picks. Just in case they ran into anyone coming down the mountain, Robertson attached a toy chameleon to his belt so curious adventurers could ask, “What’s the chameleon for?” and he could tell them all about the camp. It never got dark on the mountain, as Alaska has longer sunlight hours in the spring and summer than most states. The weather ranged from 20 degrees below zero when they awakened in their tents to “Can I take off my jacket?” during the strenuous midday climb. The air was dangerously thin. Between backpacks and sleds they pulled behind them, they were hauling 120 pounds of gear and supplies. Candy bars during the day helped keep their energy up. The adventure combined exhaustion and awe, for as Robertson says, “You’re in God’s expansiveness.” The turning point came at 15,000 feet. “I had been strong for the first week,” Robertson wrote in a journal. “But when I hit 15,000 feet, it was hard to catch my breath…This was the first time on the mountain I experienced the fear of failure.” He had to turn back to 14,200 feet. But here’s where the creed that Robertson lives by came in handy: “I like being able to put myself in an uncomfortable position. For me, that’s how I grow, being able to see if I can push through it.” You know the rest of the story. With his guide, Ty Guirano, exhorting him to “C’mon Terry, c’mon Terry,” Robertson made it to the camp at 17,000 feet. Then, three days later, at 4 p.m. on June 13, he reached the summit, the top of North America. “It was ridiculous how beautiful it was,” Robertson says. His reaction when he made it to the mountaintop? “I cried. I almost didn’t make it. Now I’m here.” Having invited family, friends, acquaintances and business associates to support his adventure, Robertson raised $10,000 for Chameleon’s Journey. He also hopes his adventure stirs more awareness of the camp and inspires others to give. Gifts are always welcome for the camp and other VIA Health Partners initiatives, where philanthropy helps provide compassionate care for all, regardless of age, diagnoses, or ability to pay. Learn more at donatehospice.org. Robertson says his mountain-climbing days are behind him. “I’m done,” he promises, just in case his wife, Amanda, an Episcopal priest, is reading this. But his support of Chameleon’s Journey continues, for he has directed enough funerals to appreciate that for bereaved children especially, the journey to healing never ends. As he learned on the way up Denali, it takes perseverance to make it to the next day. And the day after that… Chameleon’s Journey The Annual overnight grief camp is typically held in the Fall at Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie, S.C. One hundred campers ages seven to 17 will come together to address the loss of a loved one or special friend through music, drama, writing, visual arts and recreation. It’s all offered in a spirit of fellowship. The camp is free and open to all bereaved children, not just VIA Health Partners clients. Call (704) 335-3557 to learn about sponsorship and other opportunities to support the camp. Visit www.chameleonsjourney.org for details. The camp’s name comes from the story of a chameleon who made a journey of discovery after losing a special friend. The words of former camper Lauren Francis resonate: “Chameleon’s Journey has given me a home away from home. Attending CJ year after year has allowed me to have a support system and has provided me with something I could not access anywhere else – others who understand my pain and a nonjudgmental environment to express it."

Did you know April is National Counseling Awareness Month? Did you also know that some of the best Grief Counselors in the Charlotte area work at VIA Health Partners? Grief Counselors understand that grief comes at different points along the journey of life, but once a death has occurred, feelings, thoughts, physical reactions, and other aspects of grief can make adjustment difficult; and carrying out basic activities may seem harder. Family, friends, and other acquaintances may have difficulty sharing in your grief or they may be struggling with the loss themselves. That is when the services of a VIA Health Partners Region Grief Counselor can be so important. Our counselors listen, provide grief education and emotional support, and radiate a genuine spirit of caring and connection that can help survivors discover, or rediscover, inner resources that will promote healing and help. You are not alone on this journey. Whether your loss is from death by life-limiting illness or a sudden/traumatic event, our counselors are available to provide compassionate support to anyone who needs us. For more information, call us anytime at 833.839.1113 or send us a message at www.viahp.org/contact-form.

Catherine Bruce, LCSW Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Nothing is certain except for death and taxes.” As we continue to experience a time of great uncertainty, there are some things that remain constant. Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Nothing is certain except for death and taxes.” Indeed, we find ourselves in a season of loss and frantically gathering numbered forms to file. Meanwhile, another certainty seems around the bend- Springtime. As the days get longer and the sound of thunder becomes more common, we anticipate the change of seasons. Often the painful realities of the business of death, including taxes, and the change of seasons are left out of the conversation about grief. So, let’s talk about them. Often the painful realities of the business of death, including taxes, and the change of seasons are left out of the conversation about grief. Tax season should have its own chapter in books about grief. Filing taxes is dreaded in the best of times. While we are grieving, this task can feel completely overwhelming. The loss of a loved one inevitability changes our roles in life. Maybe your loved one was the person who always filed the taxes, maybe your loved one gave you no guidance about their finances, maybe you have been left with complicated medical bills, or maybe the tax situation is relatively simple but feels impossible to complete. Whatever your situation is, the exhaustion is normal because grief takes so much of our social, emotional, mental, and physical energy. When something else demands our energy, there is often none left to give. As you feel the exhaustion of tax season in full force, take the time to examine ways you can ask for help. This may look like hiring a tax professional for the first time or asking a tech-savvy friend or family member to walk you through an online filing tool. If you are uncomfortable or unable to get help with your taxes, consider other areas of your life where you may be able to get help this season. Allow that neighbor to spread mulch or let friends bring you a meal. Accepting help allows you to preserve precious energy and gives your helper a sense of purpose and pride. Unlike tax season, Springtime often brings a sense of hope and renewal, but grievers can feel left behind. While the rest of the world seems filled with anticipation for the warmer weather and longer days, people who are missing a loved one are faced with a new set of triggers. It is often assumed that winter holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Day, and Valentine’s Day, are the worst for grievers. However, grief stays with us through the change of seasons. In Springtime, we are faced with new holidays, wedding and baby season, and memories of warm weather activities with our loved one. The grief triggers in each new season cannot be avoided. We are tasked with learning to cope with these triggers and continue living with the grief. Fortunately, Springtime also brings opportunities for new or different coping strategies. Gardening, golfing, outdoor exercise, nature walks, or taking a book outside suddenly become available as the weather warms, daylight stretches, and the world blooms around us. Just as the seasons change, our grief does not remain stagnant. As the changes and challenges in grief continue throughout the year, it is my hope that you can quiet the voice saying that you might be “going backwards” in your grief, or that you should be in a better place by now. Grief happens in a chaotic mess of different emotions, not in neat stages. As you continue to endure the chaos, look for ways that you can ask for help, preserve your energy, and find peace or playfulness in the changing seasons.

By Alan Jackson [Intro] [Verse 1] Precious memories, unseen angels, Sent from somewhere to my soul How they linger, ever near me, And the sacred past unfolds [Chorus] Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul In the stillness, of the midnight Precious sacred scenes unfold [Verse 2] Precious father, loving mother Fly across the lonely years and old home scenes of my childhood in fond memory appears [Chorus] Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul In the stillness, of the midnight Precious sacred scenes unfold [Break] [Verse 3] I remember Mother praying Father too, on bended knee the sun is sinking, shadows falling but their prayers still follow me [Chorus] Precious memories how they linger, How they ever flood my soul In the stillness, of the midnight Precious sacred scenes unfold Precious memories fill my soul

Catherine Bruce, LCSW, VIA Health Partners With recommendations to practice social distancing in this uncertain time, many people are left feeling afraid and lonely. Social distancing is thought to slow the spread of COVID-19 and requires people to stay at home as much as possible (Pearce, 2020). In our community we are seeing closures of schools, churches, and restaurants. For many of us, these are spaces where we connect with one another and build a sense of community. Unfortunately, at this time we have been told those spaces are not safe especially for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those who are immunocompromised. However, staying at home and away from other people can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation which can also be associated with poor health outcomes (“Social Isolation,” 2019). In order to combat feelings of loneliness, we will need to be more intentional than ever to engage with our support network and practice self-care. While we are all staying at home as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19, here are some ideas to stave off loneliness: Make phone calls and/or video-chat with friends and family daily. A phone call can give us a feeling of deeper connection than texting or emailing and video-chatting feels even more like a visit! For an even more authentic social experience, consider having a standing video-chat or phone call at meals times with a loved one. Spend time outside. Go outside and notice the natural world going on regardless of the state we are in. Feel the sun, breeze, or chilly air on your skin and be reminded that you are an important part of a big world. Engage in physical activity. Exercise is associated with improved mood (Hamer et al, 2012). If you need some ideas for exercising while you remain socially distant, consider going for a walk outside or doing a quick internet search for at-home workouts. For those with functional limitations, consider typing “chair workouts” into your internet search bar to see what is accessible for you. Continue to engage with your hobbies or learn about a new hobby. Many hobbies including gardening, reading, cooking, and crafting can be done at home alone, but if your hobby requires others, turn again to the internet to find blogs and online communities of people who share your hobby. Express yourself! Journaling and expressive art is healing and helps us understand and shape our stories (Nobel, 2018). It is normal to feel disappointed, angry, or afraid about the disruptions in social life. Journaling can help you understand and maybe even reframe those feelings. If you need a place to start, consider these journaling prompts: Describe your feelings of loneliness and how you currently manage them. When do I feel less lonely? What plan can I make to feel less lonely? Who is in my support network? What do these people offer me socially and what do I offer them? What am I grateful for today? What can I do to express that gratitude? Remember that our relationships, connections, and sense of community have NOT been cancelled. As we make accommodations to protect our physical health, let us remain committed to protecting our emotional health as well. References Hamer, M., Endrighi, R., & Poole, L. (2012, July 24). Physical Activity, Stress Reduction, and Mood: Insight into Immunological Mechanisms. Retrieved March 16, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Romano_Endrighi/publication/230762949_Physical_Activity_Stress_Reduction_and_Mood_Insight_into_Immunological_Mechanisms/links/571a2da208ae408367bc8453/Physical-Activity-Stress-Reduction-and-Mood-Insight-into-Immunological-Mechanisms.pdf Nobel, J. (2018, September 11). Writing as an Antidote to Loneliness. Retrieved March 16, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/writing-as-an-antidote-to-loneliness-2018091414807 Pearce, K. (2020, March 13). What is social distancing and how can it slow the spread of COVID-19? Retrieved March 16, 2020, from https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/13/what-is-social-distancing/ Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks (2019, April 23). Retrieved March 16, 2020 from https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

By Larry Dawalt, M. Div., BCC, Senior Director of Spiritual & Grief Care Services ...don’t be afraid to admit that you are sad, lonely and hurting- especially if your loss is new. These are difficult days, and we are not all in the same boat. But we are in the same storm... In a conversation with a survivor a few weeks ago, we were talking about everyone being in the same boat regarding quarantining and social distancing during this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we reflected together, though, we came to the conclusion that we may all be in the same storm, but we aren’t all in the same boat. Some people still have their jobs, with regular income, social interaction- even though it may be virtual rather than in person- and companionship at home. Others may have companionship, but they have little to no income and may be having trouble making ends meet. Others are simply alone, with limited social contact and a house full of memories instead of the presence of their loved one. At VIA Health Partners, we have made some significant adjustments in the way we provide grief care. Instead of office or home visits, we are making phone calls and also making visits using technologies that permit virtual communication. Actually, we are just as busy as before because many of our survivors need support now more than ever, and our counselors are wonderful people to talk with during these difficult days. But group support is more difficult because not everyone has access to the technology that enables them to be a part of a virtual gathering, and our grief groups and workshops are currently suspended until contact precautions are lifted. So, how do we reach those who can’t reach us but still need support? That’s where you come in. Look around. Do you know anyone who may be struggling during these times- someone with minimal or maybe even no support? If you do, reach out and check on them. Give them a call. You don’t have to offer any sage advice. Just let them know that you care about them and wanted them to know it. See if they need any supplies or if it’s okay for you to call every now and then and see how they are doing. If you’re someone who needs support, reach out. Call us at VIA Health Partners (704.375.0100) and a grief counselor will call you back. Or call a friend or neighbor and see how they are doing. Even though you may be the one who needs conversation, it will help them as well. Many people are spending the majority of their days at home, so it’s a good time to communicate. Lastly, don’t be afraid to admit that you are sad, lonely and hurting- especially if your loss is new. These are difficult days, and we are not all in the same boat. But we are in the same storm, so reach let’s reach out and keep each other comforted until the storm passes by.

In her book, Help, Thanks, Wow, spiritual writer Anne Lamott observes that when you think about it, there are really three prayers we offer up to the Divine. Help pretty much speaks for itself, doesn’t it? It’s that SOS signal that throws up a flair to the Almighty or Universe saying “Hey, if You can hear me, I really could use some help down here!!!” I believe that has been a universal prayer this past year, as our initial introduction to Covid 19 in March slowly turned into a long-term relationship, one that we still are trying to manage. On an individual level, our prayers for Help have included loss of loved ones, opportunities to mourn as a community, and in some instances even saying a last goodbye. We haven’t included the loss or change in jobs, our children’s schooling mostly going remote, and cancelled plans for weddings or vacations. The tension of our country this election year, and the realization that a November election result has turned up the heat (if that were possible), leaving us feeling deeply divided and disillusioned. By the time you read this, we will probably be past our first Covid Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah. What a strange family photo this year, right? (Masks on or off, and does that include the dog?) Sigh, and by the way, HELP!!! So, this may feel like a stretch, but is there something we can find to be Thankful for in these difficult times, as we step into 2021? As I have listened to survivors over these difficult months, I have frequently heard thanks for family and friends. Covid 19 has tested our creativity, as we have had to find unique ways of finding connection. I have appreciated hearing about outdoor suppers, neighborhood driveway visits, and even ‘Zoom happy hours.’ People have been more thankful for the intentional phone call that has reminded them they are not alone, even if living by themselves. People’s pets have been providing comfort, care and companionship, interrupting Zoom meetings with enthusiastic barks. Perhaps having to look for things to be thankful for ‘even during a pandemic’ has become a new habit worth keeping in 2021. And lastly, what does a WOW prayer possibly sound like? In her book, Anne gives us a hint with the following description, “Awe is why we are here. And this state is the prayer: “Wow.” As we head into 2021, I believe our universal exclamation might be, “Wow, we made it!” Somehow, we have survived what many will look back on as the most difficult year in memory. With perhaps ‘Holy’ help (in the form of friends, family, and Netflix) we have stepped bravely, yet war weary, into a new year. As only Anne Lamott can write, “When we are stunned to the place beyond words, we’re finally starting to get somewhere…when an aspect of life takes us away from being able to chip away at something until it’s down to a manageable size and then to file it nicely away, when all we can say in response is ‘Wow,’ that’s a prayer.”

By Larry Dawalt, M. Div., BCC, CT Dr. Smith and I agree that grief ‘is as individual as the relationship that brought it about.’ It’s not one size fits all. Unless they come right out and tell you, how do you know a person is grieving? Are there some relevant signs? What part does grief play in the overall wellness of a person? I’ve been asked some of these questions over my years as a grief counselor, but in order to consider these questions from the perspective of a physician, I sat down for a conversation with Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region Medical Director, Dr. Bob Smith, to get his perspective from his years as a family physician. “If I was a physician and someone came to my office whose spouse had just died but I didn’t know it, and I asked them how they are doing, nine times out of 10 they would say fine,” Dr. Smith said. “So that question may not get a lot of information. But if a person comes in and you ask them how many times in the past week have you missed your medication, and they say a few times, four times, maybe five or six times in the past week, they’re telling you they’re okay, but not showing it. What they may be saying is that I am neglecting my health because I am in the grieving process.” There are other physical indicators as well that Dr Smith says a physician may observe. “I look for changes in a patient’s blood pressure, blood sugar levels and other lab results that may indicate distinct changes, especially if they have been a caregiver. Being a caregiver is very difficult because sometimes a person may have neglected their own health while they are caring for a loved one.” Dr. Smith emphasizes that it may be harder to get details because times have changed when it comes to the physician/patient relationship. “In our modern medical world, when you’re seeing 20-plus patients a day and doing all the documentation and orders that go with that, it’s not as easy to have a relaxed, personal conversation. You may find yourself in a situation where you have to actually take ‘fine’ at face value and go on. And it’s different when you’re not seeing patients in the hospital, or in a place where you know their family members. You don’t always get the information you maybe used to get,” he stated. As a patient who is also a grief counselor, when I visit a physician, I look for screening questions that may indicate the potential for grief and loss. One question I look for is, ‘Have you had any specific life changes in the last year?’ This question, followed by a long blank line or two for elaboration, may give a physician the opportunity to get some news without having to probe. What a physician does with that news can help a patient make the physical adjustments necessary to have the strength to carry on as they grieve. But Dr. Smith reminds us that physicians don’t have to go it alone. “I would suggest that physicians acquaint themselves with the resources available in their community. We are fortunate in this area to have our hospice grief counselors and others who are trained in grief care. But it’s also important to allow a person to help you help them find the right fit. Support groups or even grief counseling may not be part of their family culture or of their psychic make up. That may not be who they are. I think grief is very normal and natural and I think we need to embrace that and not try to rush the process, or make it something pathological. We can walk with them and offer them some insights that we’ve discovered as we’ve helped others.” Lastly, Dr. Smith and I agree that grief ‘is as individual as the relationship that brought it about.’ It’s not one size fits all. Also, during these pandemic days, traditional social support is not as readily available; which means more people may be struggling. This makes caring, compassionate care from a physician even more valuable- and appreciated.

By: Melissa Francis, M.A., LPCA, NCC The lyrics eventually lead us to hope, with a tiny voice that whisper’s inside of us, a voice that says, “you must go on.” But how? Where do we even begin? Recently, a client shared with me a song from the movie Frozen II and as she read the lyrics to me, I could see the impact and connection they had to her grief. A simple song that can connect everyone I sit with, each line representing how dark, empty, cold, and hopeless you feel after someone you love dies. The lyrics eventually lead us to hope, with a tiny voice that whisper’s inside of us, a voice that says, “you must go on.” But how? Where do we even begin? In the beginning, we feel disconnected, cold, numb, as if we are walking through a mine field of emotions, never knowing which one is going to appear. Desperately we look to the future, trying to imagine a different life, sometimes avoiding our grief because it is hard work. We accept that our life will never be the same and it is important for us to acknowledge this. Avoiding our grief may be harmful, however taking a break from it and finding new ways to begin to move forward is part of the healing. Where is it that we begin to envision a new life? It begins by first taking a breath and moving forward, take a step, and step again. You will have moments you feel as if you are going backwards; this is part of the healing and the love we shared, start again. Step outside, breath, listen to music, take a walk, be kind to yourself, don’t rush it, and you will find life again. Remember you don’t have to go through this alone, so reach out to others for support. Contact a grief counselor. Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region can provide additional support, including individual counseling and groups to help you navigate the many feelings associated with grief. Your life will never be the same, and as the poem Shipwreck reminds us, we don’t want it to. The time we shared with our loved one is special and can never be replaced. So we must learn to go on, and this is how we honor them.