Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience, but no one has to go through it alone. Alaska offers a variety of grief support resources, including individual counseling, support groups, and specialized programs for different types of loss and age groups. Many of these services are provided by hospice organizations, community centers, and non-profits across the state. ### **ALASKA GRIEF SUPPORT: RESOURCES AND SERVICES** **I. Statewide and Major Regional Resources** 1. **Alaska Careline Crisis Intervention Line (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline):** - **Call or Text:** **988** - **Statewide Phone:** **1-877-266-HELP (4357)** - **Text:** **4help to 839863** (available Tuesday-Saturday, 3 PM-11 PM) - **Purpose:** While primarily a crisis line, it also serves as a vital first point of contact for those experiencing intense grief or distress, connecting callers to mental health and crisis support, which often includes resources for grief. 2. **2-1-1 Connects Alaska:** - **Call:** **2-1-1** (local within Alaska) or **1-800-478-2221** (outside of Alaska) - **Website:** [https://www.211connectsalaska.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.211connectsalaska.org/) - **Purpose:** A free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to various social services and health providers, including those specializing in grief counseling and support groups in your local area. 3. **The Alaska Grief Support Network:** - **Purpose:** Provides grief support groups for adults and children, emphasizing group healing and shared experiences. They also offer professional grief counseling. - **Phone (Anchorage office):** (907) 562-9817 - **Website:** [http://www.alaskagriefsupport.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.alaskagriefsupport.org/) 4. **Alaska's Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (AHPCO):** - **Purpose:** AHPCO supports and advocates for quality hospice and palliative care throughout Alaska. They can provide referrals to local hospice programs that offer extensive grief and bereavement support. - **Phone:** (907) 522-6980 - **Website:** [https://www.ahpco.org/](https://www.ahpco.org/) 5. **GriefShare (National with Local Chapters):** - **Purpose:** A Christian-based grief recovery program with groups meeting in many churches across Alaska. It's a 13-week program that offers video seminars, group discussions, and a workbook. - **National Phone:** 1-800-395-5755 - **Website:** [https://www.griefshare.org/](https://www.griefshare.org/) (Search for groups in Alaska by zip code or city.) **II. Specific Grief Support Providers by Region/Focus** **A. Anchorage Area:** - **Hospice of Anchorage:** - **Purpose:** Provides compassionate end-of-life care and comprehensive grief support for individuals and families. - **Services:** Bereavement support for individuals, grief support groups for adults and children, individual counseling sessions, and educational resources. They offer a Bereavement Correspondence Program (monthly letters and calls for up to 13 months). - **Phone:** (907) 561-5322 - **Location:** 2612 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99508 - **Website:** [https://www.hospiceofanchorage.org/grief-bereavement-support/](https://www.hospiceofanchorage.org/grief-bereavement-support/) - **Providence Hospice and Palliative Care (Anchorage):** - **Purpose:** Offers hospice care, grief counseling, and bereavement support for patients, families, and friends. - **Services:** Grief support groups, one-on-one counseling, and specialized support for children and teens experiencing grief. - **Phone (Main):** (907) 562-4425 - **Bereavement Services:** (907) 212-4400 (for individual grief counseling and information on groups) - **Website:** [https://www.providence.org/locations/ak/providence-alaska-medical-center/services/hospice](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.providence.org/locations/ak/providence-alaska-medical-center/services/hospice) - **The Children's Grief Center of Alaska (Anchorage):** - **Purpose:** Specializes in supporting children, teens, and families coping with the loss of a loved one. - **Services:** Age-appropriate grief support groups and counseling services. - **Phone:** (907) 561-2229 - **Website:** [http://www.cgcalaska.org/](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.cgcalaska.org/) - **Southcentral Foundation (SCF) - Grief and Loss Learning Circle (Anchorage):** - **Purpose:** A hybrid (in-person and virtual) peer-supported learning circle for Alaska Native and American Indian people, but generally open to the community, to connect and express thoughts and feelings about loss. - **Location (in-person):** Anchorage Native Primary Care Center, 4320 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 - **Phone:** (907) 729-5440 (Family Wellness Warriors) - **Website:** [https://www.southcentralfoundation.com/events/grief-and-loss/](https://www.southcentralfoundation.com/events/grief-and-loss/) - **Counseling Solutions of Alaska, LLC (Anchorage):** - **Purpose:** Provides professional grief counseling and therapy for individuals, couples, and families. - **Services:** Individual and family therapy, life and wellness coaching, and telehealth services. - **Phone:** (907) 770-7770 - **Website:** [https://www.counselingsolutionsak.com/grief-counseling](https://www.counselingsolutionsak.com/grief-counseling) - **St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Anchorage):** - **Purpose:** Offers a community-based grief support group for various types of loss (death, divorce, job loss, etc.). - **Meetings:** Typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 12:30 pm or the last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM. - **Website:** [https://st.patsak.org/grief-support-group](https://st.patsak.org/grief-support-group) **B. Fairbanks Area:** - **Foundation Health Partners (FHP) Hospice Services (Fairbanks):** - **Purpose:** Provides hospice care and free professional bereavement services to the entire community. - **Services:** One-on-one companioning visits for short-term grief support, specific men's and women's grief and loss support groups, and structured "Grief Circles" support groups. - **Phone:** (907) 458-3090 - **Email:** [email protected] - **Location:** 2001 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK - **Website:** [https://www.foundationhealth.org/services/assisted_longterm_care/hospice/bereavement](https://www.foundationhealth.org/services/assisted_longterm_care/hospice/bereavement) **C. Kenai Peninsula:** - **Hospice of the Central Peninsula (Soldotna/Kenai):** - **Purpose:** Provides compassionate end-of-life care and grief support in the Central Kenai Peninsula. - **Services:** Grief support, educational services, and community events. They often have special programs like a "Root Beer Fun Run" for children who have experienced loss. - **Phone:** (907) 714-4521 (for hospice/bereavement services) - **Website:** [https://www.hospiceofsoldotna.com/](https://www.hospiceofsoldotna.com/) - **Hospice of Homer:** - **Purpose:** Serves the Southern Kenai Peninsula with end-of-life care, bereavement support, and education. - **Services:** Bereavement support, volunteer visitor program, and lending library. - **Phone:** (907) 235-6899 - **Email:** [email protected] - **Website:** [https://www.hospiceofhomer.org/](https://www.hospiceofhomer.org/) **D. Specialized Grief Support:** - **The TEARS Foundation (Alaska Chapter):** - **Purpose:** Provides support to families who have experienced pregnancy loss (miscarriage, stillbirth) or early infant death. - **Services:** Emotional support, financial assistance, and a parent support group. They have a "Center for Child Loss" in Anchorage. - **Phone:** (253) 200-0944 (national contact that routes to local) - **Website:** [https://thetearsfoundation.org/chapters/alaska/](https://thetearsfoundation.org/chapters/alaska/) - **Victims for Justice:** - **Purpose:** Offers support services for bereaved families when death was due to homicidal violence or other violent conditions. - **Phone:** (907) 278-0977 - **Website:** [https://www.victimsforjustice.org/](https://www.victimsforjustice.org/) - **Veterans' Journey through Grief and Loss (refer to VA services):** - **Purpose:** Support specifically for veterans and spouses grieving a loss. This group provides education on grief and facilitates healing. - **Contact:** Often provided through the VA Alaska Healthcare System. Call the VA's main line: (907) 257-5400 or the specific counseling number: (907) 257-4854. **III. Important Considerations When Seeking Support:** - **Type of Loss:** Some groups are specific to the type of loss (e.g., child loss, suicide loss). Others are general. - **Format:** Consider if you prefer individual counseling, group support, or online resources. - **Faith-Based vs. Secular:** Many excellent programs are faith-based (like GriefShare), while others are secular. Choose what aligns with your comfort level. - **Time Since Loss:** Some programs are for immediate grief, while others cater to longer-term or complicated grief. - **Cost:** Many hospice bereavement services and support groups are offered free of charge, even if you were not on hospice. Individual counseling may be covered by insurance or offered on a sliding scale. Grief is a natural process, but professional and peer support can be invaluable in navigating its complexities. Don't hesitate to reach out to one of these resources. Here are key resources in Alaska for grief support, including counseling services, support groups, and helplines for individuals coping with loss and mourning: ### **1. Hospice of Anchorage** - **Purpose**: Provides compassionate end-of-life care and grief support for individuals and families facing loss, including counseling for those grieving. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 561-5322 - **Website**: [www.hospiceofanchorage.org](https://www.hospiceofanchorage.org) - **Services**: - Bereavement support for individuals coping with the death of a loved one. - Grief support groups for adults and children. - Individual counseling sessions and educational resources about grief and loss. - Offers services to both patients nearing the end of life and their families. --- ### **2. Alaska's Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (AHPCO)** - **Purpose**: AHPCO supports the delivery of hospice and palliative care throughout Alaska, with a focus on helping individuals cope with grief and loss. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 522-6980 - **Website**: [www.ahpco.org](http://www.ahpco.org) - **Services**: - Referrals to local hospice programs providing grief support services. - Resources for individuals and families experiencing bereavement. - Educational materials on the grieving process and coping mechanisms. --- ### **3. The Alaska Grief Support Network** - **Purpose**: Offers grief support groups and counseling services throughout Alaska, providing help for those dealing with loss. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 562-9817 (Anchorage office) - **Website**: [www.alaskagriefsupport.org](http://www.alaskagriefsupport.org) - **Services**: - Grief support groups for adults and children, with a focus on group healing and shared experiences. - Professional grief counseling for individuals coping with loss. - Resources and educational workshops on grief management and emotional healing. --- ### **4. Providence Hospice and Palliative Care** - **Purpose**: Offers hospice care services, including grief counseling and bereavement support, in Anchorage and surrounding areas. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 562-4425 - **Website**: [www.providence.org](https://www.providence.org) - **Services**: - Grief support groups and one-on-one counseling for those who have lost a loved one. - Provides support through the grief process, from the initial shock of loss through ongoing mourning. - Specialized support for children and teens experiencing grief. --- ### **5. Tlingit & Haida Family Services (Southeast Alaska)** - **Purpose**: Provides grief and loss counseling, as well as community support services, specifically for Southeast Alaska Native communities. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 463-7751 - **Website**: [www.ccthita.org](https://www.ccthita.org) - **Services**: - Grief support and counseling programs for Alaska Native families. - Cultural healing practices integrated with grief counseling. - Group counseling for both children and adults. --- ### **6. Denali Family Services (Anchorage)** - **Purpose**: Provides mental health services, including grief support and counseling for individuals and families in Anchorage and surrounding areas. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 272-9466 - **Website**: [www.denalifamilyservices.org](http://www.denalifamilyservices.org) - **Services**: - Bereavement counseling and grief support services for individuals coping with loss. - Specialized grief therapy for children and families. - Offers individual therapy and group counseling for grief and trauma recovery. --- ### **7. The Children's Grief Center of Alaska** - **Purpose**: Specializes in supporting children and families coping with the loss of a loved one through individualized grief counseling and group support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (907) 561-2229 - **Website**: [www.cgcalaska.org](http://www.cgcalaska.org) - **Services**: - Grief support groups for children, teens, and families. - Counseling services that address the unique emotional needs of children coping with loss. - Offers age-appropriate resources and activities for children to express their grief. --- ### **8. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (for Grief Support)** - **Purpose**: Provides immediate, confidential grief support and crisis intervention for individuals who have experienced the suicide of a loved one or are dealing with intense grief. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-273-8255 (Lifeline) - **Website**: [www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org](https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) - **Services**: - Immediate grief support for those affected by the suicide of a loved one. - Referrals to local grief support groups and therapists. - Offers resources and coping strategies for dealing with the trauma of loss. --- ### **9. Alaska 211 (Alaska’s Community Services Directory)** - **Purpose**: Alaska 211 offers comprehensive information and resources about local support services, including grief counseling and bereavement programs. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 2-1-1 (local within Alaska) or 1-800-478-2221 (outside of Alaska) - **Website**: [www.alaska211.org](http://www.alaska211.org) - **Services**: - Provides a list of grief support groups, counseling services, and bereavement programs in your local community. - Connects individuals with social services and health providers that specialize in grief counseling. --- ### **10. GriefShare (National but Local Chapters Available)** - **Purpose**: GriefShare offers a Christian-based grief recovery program that can be attended in person at local chapters across Alaska. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-395-5755 - **Website**: [www.griefshare.org](https://www.griefshare.org) - **Services**: - Grief recovery support groups that offer practical, emotional, and spiritual guidance. - A 13-week program that helps individuals understand their grief and begin the healing process. - Online resources for individuals who prefer virtual support options. --- ### **11. AARP Alaska Grief Support Resources** - **Purpose**: AARP Alaska provides grief support resources, including assistance for older adults coping with the loss of a spouse, family member, or loved one. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-877-926-8300 - **Website**: [www.aarp.org](https://www.aarp.org) - **Services**: - Online grief support articles, tips, and coping strategies for older adults. - Information on finding grief support groups and counselors in Alaska. - Webinars and workshops on managing grief and loss in later life. --- These resources provide grief support for individuals and families coping with loss, whether through counseling, support groups, or community-based services. If you or someone you know is grieving, these organizations can help guide you through the emotional journey of mourning and healing.