Bereavement Care Services
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Healthcare and other specialized professionals at Harrison Medical Center can support you during your time of loss. Below, you’ll find a wealth of information for you and your family members during your time of need.

For those who are grieving

  • Rest. Conserve your energy. Don’t take on too much. You are more vulnerable to illness when exhausted, so take time to take care of yourself.

  • Sadness is normal, don’t be afraid of it.

  • Don’t make any big decisions right away unless absolutely necessary. It takes time to sort things out. Take life changes slowly.

  • Tell people what you need.

For family & friends of the bereaved

  • The grief process can take years. Don’t expect someone to “get over it” in a few months. Give individuals time and support.

  • Helpful comments, “I am sorry that you are going through this pain.” Or, “It’s not easy for you, is it? What will you miss the most?”

  • Be a good listener. Your presence can be a great help.

Download these helpful grief guidelines: “Do’s and Don’t for the bereaved and their well-meaning friends.”

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

Facing Loss-Grief Support Group: This nine-week session hosted by Harrison Medical Center is designed to provide education and support for adults grieving the death of a loved one.

Participants meet with others who have experienced a similar loss and explore ways to cope with the changes. The group will focus on the general task of grieving, consider ways of providing self-care, and create an environment for mutual learning. Group sessions are informal, supportive, and informative.

Each session builds on materials from the previous sessions, so attendance to all nine is highly encouraged.

HARRISON MEDICAL CENTER RESOURCES

Spiritual Care
Harrison’s chaplains provide non-denominational spiritual support.

  • Call 360-744-6555

Social Work
Harrison social workers are available to assist with support and information about community resources.

  • Call 360-744-6584

Palliative Care
Harrison’s Palliative Care Services can provide support and information regarding bereavement. For those who may seek a lasting memory, an impression can be made of a loved one’s hand. Ask a palliative care specialist for details.

  • Call 360-744-5618
  • Email

Complementary Therapies
Therapeutic music, creative arts therapy, and pet therapy to help those who are grieving.

  • Call 360-744-4924

HOPE (Harrison Offering Peaceful Endings)
A program led by specially trained obstetric nurses that supports families through a perinatal loss experience.

  • Call 360-744-8928

Perinatal Loss Support Group/M.E.N.D.
This open-forum support group is for moms and dads who have gone through a miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss of a baby less than one year old.

REGIONAL RESOURCES

Bridges: A Center for Grieving Children
Trained, caring volunteer group facilitators serve as companions to kids working through grief.

  • Call 253-272-8266

Compassionate Friends
This bereavement organization offers friendship, understanding, and hope to families following the death of a child of any age.

Hospice of Kitsap County
Bereavement services to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Support is available for both adults and children with special programs to assist individuals coping with the loss of a loved one during the holidays.

  • Call 360-698-4611

Survivors of Suicide
Support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. All information shared in the group is confidential.

  • Second Thursday each month
  • 5:30 to 7 pm
  • Harrison Annex, 750 Lebo Blvd., Bremerton
  • Call 360-265-1110
  • Email

ONLINE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

  • GriefNet.org (Where Grace Happens) is an Internet community for those dealing with grief, death, and major loss.

  • GROWW Grief Recovery Online for all Bereaved is an independent haven for the bereaved developed by the bereaved.

  • Health Journeys Resources for Mind, Body, and Spirit includes audio and video resources, events, blogs, and more.

RECOMMENDED READING

Download a list of recommended adult books about death and grieving.

Download a list of recommended children’s’ and young adult books about death and grieving.

More:

  • “Motherless Daughters” by Hope Edelman

  • “Living When a Loved One has Died” by Earl Grollman

  • “A Grief Observed” by C. S. Lewis

Download the Bereavement Care Services brochure.