Hospice gets grant to help bereaved

The Sequoia Healthcare District has granted the MidPenisnula Hospice $31,500 for bereavement services and outreach programs. While the grant's guidelines focus on women's health issues in the district, which includes the cities of Menlo Park, Woodside, and Portola Valley, the hospice's services are available to anyone.

The goal of the grant is to improve coping skills and emotional well-being for women who have experienced the death of a spouse, parent, or life partner. Grief groups are held in Redwood City, in collaboration with Sequoia Hospital's Health and Wellness Services, and in Mountain View at the hospice office. There is no charge to participants.

"Grief is a process," said Julie Mangney, bereavement services coordinator for the hospice. "Groups are led by a professional counselor and provide participants with education about the grief process, emotional support from peers, and guidance in taking the first steps toward rebuilding their lives."

For more information, contact Julie Mangney at 947-4252.