News Release

For Immediate Release
Date: April 26, 2007
Contact: Ellen Johnson, (360) 856-7315

Children Bereavement Program Wins Approval of Hospital Commissioners

The United General Hospital Board of Commissioners today approved a request from the hospital’s foundation to establish a children’s bereavement program. The innovative program will assist children and teens who are facing or grieving the death of a family member.  It is the first of its kind in the Skagit County area, and is expected to open in July at United General Hospital.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive place for children to grieve,” explained Sandi Sims, committee chairperson for the new program called The Landing. “We have heard many, many stories of children who suffered the death of a loved one and never truly recovered from that loss. The Landing will provide a safety net for them.”

The new program will provide peer support groups facilitated by trained volunteers in a homelike environment. Participation is open to children of all ages who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or teen friend because of illness, accident, suicide or homicide. Children with a terminally ill family member are also welcome at The Landing. Children can participate in “talking circle” time, or have the opportunity to process grief through a variety of play or art activities.

“We see this as an extension of our services to the families we help at United General,” commented Foundation Director Ellen Johnson. “When a patient is diagnosed with a terminal disease, we will now be able to assist their children as well. The Foundation chose this as a very valuable addition to services we offer in our North Puget Cancer Center.”

Modeled after a renowned program in Portland, Oregon, The Landing will be housed in a renovated residence on the United General Hospital campus. Plans call for the installation of both indoor and outdoor play equipment, as well as a resource library and other services.

The Landing will be supported almost exclusively from donations and grant funds. Substantial funding and in-kind donations have already been acquired from local community groups and private donors.  Services at The Landing will be free of charge and open to families throughout are area.

Volunteers are currently being recruited for a variety of positions. Training will be provided.

For more information on the new program, please contact Ellen Johnson at (360) 856-7315 or ellen.johnson@unitedgeneral.org.