Helping After Neonatal Death (HAND)

Helping After Neonatal Death (HAND)

11 hours ago

Dear HAND families —

Our thoughts are always with you and the entire HAND community, even more so as we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic together.

As mentioned in our previous message, HAND has temporarily suspended all meetings at the Mission Oaks Los Gatos location in response to Santa Clara County Public Health Department guidance “prohibiting all non essential gatherings of any number of individuals” in our region.

As nearby hospitals flex to care for unprecedented numbers of patients, we’re sadly aware that among them are bereaved parents, families, and health care providers coping with the recent loss of a baby. It’s also important to recognize that in times of stress and isolation, it’s very common for prior traumas to resurface.

While social distancing measures are in place, HAND continues its mission to support those grieving the loss of a baby before, during, or after birth. HAND is now providing the following services:

✅ Virtual meetings.
Beginning April 16, HAND will begin offering meetings via Zoom in lieu of our regularly scheduled in-person meetings. All virtual meetings will be password-protected and require an RSVP to attend. Please see individual meeting details for instructions on how to RSVP: handonline.org/events

✅ Phone support.
We have increased the number of volunteers who are available to provide phone support during this time. You can call HAND at 1 (888) 908-4263 and leave a message on our confidential voicemail system. A volunteer (also a bereaved parent) will call you back, usually within few days.

✅ Printed materials.
Request a “grief packet” or other support materials to be mailed to you. To request materials call 1 (888) 908-4263 or email us at info@handonline.org.

✅ Website and social media.
Follow our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) in addition to searching our website (handonline.org) for useful information, such as recommended books and other websites.

If you find yourself in need of support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The health and well-being of our families, volunteers, and community is always our top priority.

Be safe and well.

–Kelly Symons
HAND President ... See MoreSee Less

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Helping After Neonatal Death (HAND)

3 weeks ago

Dear HAND families —

The health and well-being of our families, volunteers, and community is always our top priority. Amidst the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic (www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/home.aspx) , we sincerely hope that you’re all staying safe, healthy, and reliably informed.

In observance of the latest guidance (www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/order-health-officer-031620.aspx, March 16, 2020) from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department “prohibiting all non essential gatherings of any number of individuals” in our region, HAND is suspending all meetings at the Mission Oaks Los Gatos location, effective immediately.

We will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly should these restrictions change. In the meantime, we are committed to providing support in the following ways:

✅ Phone support.
We have increased the number of volunteers who are available to provide phone support during this time. You can call HAND at 1 (888) 908-4263 and leave a message on our confidential voicemail system. A volunteer (who also a bereaved parent) will call you back, usually within few days.

✅ Printed materials.
You can also request a “grief packet” or other support materials to be mailed to you. To request materials call 1 (888) 908-4263 or email us at info@handonline.org.

✅ Website and social media.
You can follow us on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) in addition to searching our website (handonline.org) for useful information, such as recommended books and other websites.

The measures taken in response to this pandemic and in the interest of public health, though unprecedented, are necessary and we are committed to doing our part to reduce the spread of this virus.

If you are in need of support during this time, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our volunteers are deeply honored to be entrusted with the memories your precious children and we all share similar experiences of heartbreak and loss.

Our goal at HAND remains the same: to provide hope and support for bereaved parents, families, and care providers coping with the loss of a baby before, during or after birth. We intend to carry on this mission to the best of our ability.

Stay safe and be gentle with yourselves.

– Kelly Symons
HAND President ... See MoreSee Less

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