Grief is a universal experience — at some point in life, everyone will face the pain of loss. Whether it is the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change, grief is inevitable — and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve.

While grief is a profound and deeply personal experience, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from loved ones, support groups and professionals can help individuals process emotions, reduce feelings of isolation and provide guidance on coping strategies.

Northwest Colorado Health offers a variety of opportunities for community grief support that are open to anyone who has experienced a loss. As a nonprofit Hospice provider, these services are provided with grant support and community donations, in addition to the bereavement services provided to Hospice families.

• Community Grief Support Groups: meetings focus on understanding death and honoring connection with a deceased loved one while making a healthy transition into life without that person. Participants share and explore their grief in a comfortable, supportive setting among others coping with similar losses.
• Grief Resource Center: open weekly at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Library, community members can find resources and books to support their grief journey or connect with caring bereavement volunteers.
• Counseling and Group Education: Staff help connect individuals to resources, and if needed, mental health professionals to meet their unique needs. Presentations to organizations about coping with loss and supporting co-workers through the grief process are also available.
• Youth Resiliency Program: Outreach services, support groups and education to youth who are grieving a loss related to life’s adversities. 

Throughout the month of April, Northwest Colorado Health’s Hospice program, in collaboration with Steamboat Creates, will be offering a variety of community grief events that offer healthy coping strategies and opportunities to connect with others.

These will be centered around the Good Grief! Art Show, a deeply personal and evocative exhibition by artist Krystal Mackey. This collection offers a raw and intimate look at the process of grief, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experience with loss and healing.

The exhibit will be on display from April 4 to April 27 at The Depot Art Center. Community members are invited to participate in the following events:

• April 4: Good Grief! Art Show at First Friday Art Walk at the Art Depot — 5-8 p.m.
• April 8: Beginning Pastels with Artist at the Depot — 5-7 p.m.
• April 10: Open Mic at the Depot — 7-8:30 p.m.
• April 15: Portrait Pastels with Artist at the Depot — 5-7pm
• April 16: Reflective Writing at the Grief Resource Library — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• April 17: Artist in Residence at the Depot Art Gallery — All day
• April 23: Good Grief Yoga at Harmony Yoga and Wellness — 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Northwest Colorado Health is committed to providing hope and healing for community members as they navigate loss.

To learn more about our grief support offerings, please visit our website at northwestcoloradohealth.org or contact Dr. Jo Anne Grace, Bereavement and Spiritual Care Coordinator, at 970-846-8319.