SANTA BARBARA — Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has been at the forefront of helping to heal trauma and grief when tragedy strikes for decades. Whether it was the shootings at UCSB or at the Goleta Post Office or now, the Thomas Fire and Flood.
What is particularly complicated about this recent disaster is that nearly everyone in our community has been impacted in one way or another. Over 20 people have died and not only are their friends and family affected but their workplaces, schools, neighborhoods and churches. Children in our area have been particularly traumatized by fear about their own mortality and what all this means. Tens of thousands had to be evacuated, people can’t get to work, and local businesses are suffering.
Because of the way they are structured, Hospice of Santa Barbara is able to immediately respond with their programs and services to virtually any type of crisis in our area free of charge. They can work from their offices and they can be mobile with outreach teams. They can go into schools and workplaces as well as churches and emergency crisis centers.
“We are mindful of the shock and grief of so many people in the greater Santa Barbara area right now with two back-to-back disasters,” said David Selberg, CEO, Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We are dealing with a variety of emotions across every age group and background and we will do all that is necessary to attend to everyone who needs our compassionate support.”
In the wake of these traumatic events, they will be offering a host of specialized services to the community experiencing grief—including counseling and support groups. The following support will be offered:
- Counseling and support for children, teens, and school staff on impacted school campuses
- Individual & Family Counseling for family of the deceased
- Support Group for adults grieving the death of a friend or acquaintance
- Support Group for adult evacuees dealing with the stress of the experience
- Support Group for individuals experiencing the loss of an animal – Pet Loss Support group
- Counseling and patient care services are available in Carpinteria for individuals, families, and students
HSB has also been coordinating with local schools to help children cope with the news and or effects of the disaster. Additionally, services in Carpinteria will be offered though HSB’s new Compassionate Care of Carpinteria Initiative.
All services are available in English and Spanish.
If you would like to donate to support these vital community services, please go to www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides professional counseling, support groups, and patient care services free of charge to individuals and families who are grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing the impact of a serious illness. Hospice of Santa Barbara is also present on eight local junior and high school campuses to work with children and teens who are grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call (805) 563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.