Free grief-response workshop Thursday

Area hospice providers are hosting a grief response workshop Thursday, Aug. 30, for community members in the helping professions.

Through a collaborative effort between Auburn Crest Hospice, Crest Home Health and Hospice, Hospice of North Idaho, and Kindred Hospice, this workshop will be offered free of charge from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hospice of North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene campus, 2290 W. Prairie Ave.

“Grief is one area of mental health that touches everyone,” said a news release. “Unfortunately, our community has seen the full force of grief after recent tragedies, including the suicide of both a middle school student as well as a school principal.”

Bereavement counselors from the area’s hospice agencies felt called to respond. Together, they created this one-day workshop for helping professionals who regularly encounter grieving community members.

The event will equip up to 250 helping professionals with the tools they need to support a grieving community. The group brings a variety of professionals together to enhance grief training, including the Department of Health and Welfare’s Children’s Mental Health department and the Panhandle Health District. Workshop topics include, normalizing the grief experience; Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training; recognizing grief responses in children; and a session to experience a Tibetan singing bowl relaxation technique.

Helping professionals who directly, or indirectly work with those experiencing grief are encouraged to attend. Register to ensure seating is reserved at www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/news. For more information about this collaborative workshop, call Hospice of North Idaho at 208-772-7994.