St. John’s is offering new support groups and services for new and
expectant mothers, for those caring for people with debilitating disease,
and for those who are grieving.
Maternal Mental Health
In its efforts to support mental health, St. John’s is launching
a peri-natal mental health support group and pre-and post-natal yoga classes.
“Motherhood: This Isn’t What I Expected” is a free weekly support group for pregnant women and mothers up
to one year postpartum who are experiencing unexpected mood issues. If
you are feeling anxious, sad, angry, worried, or just not like yourself,
this group may be for you.
“Maternal mental health complications are an extremely common side
effect of pregnancy, and they are often not acknowledged or adequately
addressed,” said Julia Heemstra, Wellness Director at St. John’s
Medical Center.
The group is led by St. John’s social worker Lynnette Gaertner, LCSW,
MSW, who has been trained by Postpartum Support International, and it
meets on Wednesdays, beginning February 20, 4:00–4:45 pm in the
Wellness Flex Room at St. John’s Medical Center, 625 E. Broadway.
For more information, call 307.739.4840
St. John’s is also supporting maternal health by offering yoga classes
for expectant and new mothers on Thursdays, beginning February 21. Taught
by Rebecca Zulueta, registered prenatal yoga teacher, the classes feature
mindful movement and yoga poses to ease the body and mind. The
pre-natal yoga class meets 5:30–6:30 pm, and the
post-natal yoga class meets 4:00–5:00 pm. Both classes take place in the Wellness Flex
Room at St. John’s Medical Center at 625 E. Broadway. Classes cost
$10/each, and financial aid is available. For information, call St. John’s
Wellness at 307.739.7399.
New Caregiver Support Group
St. John's Medical Center Hospice will offer a new support group for
those caring for someone with a debilitating illness. The group will meet
on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The first session will take place
on Tuesday, February 26, Noon – 1:00 pm, in Suite 114, Professional
Office Building, Entrance C, at 555 E. Broadway. Led by St. John’s
Hospice social worker Oliver Goss, LCSW. Please call 307.739.7463.
New Sessions of Grief Support Groups
St. John’s Hospice offers three grief support groups: an eight-week
“Growing through Grief” group, a children’s grief program,
and a drop-in group. All are led by Oliver Goss, MSW, licensed clinical
social worker at St. John's Hospice.
"Grief is a natural process that we will all be faced with it at some
point in life, yet people often feel alone in this process," said
Goss. "These groups offers a safe space for bereaved people to share
and support one another while participating in activities that help to
process the emotions and experiences."
A new session of “Growing Through Grief,” an eight-week grief
support program, will start on Thursday, February 14 at 12:30–1:30
pm. Please register by calling 307.739.7463.
The children’s grief support program is for children ages 5 and up
(and their families) who have experienced the death of a loved one. “Children
experience grief much the same as anyone, yet they process their grief
experiences differently than adults,” said Goss. “Being with
other kids who are experiencing grief helps normalize the experience for
them, which can then help them move through the grief process.”
The next session meets on Tuesday, February 12, 5:45–7 pm, at the
Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. Because of changes with the location,
please call 307.739.7463 in advance.
St. John’s Hospice also offers a drop-in support group led by Goss.
The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, from
noon to 1 pm. The session’s topic is determined by the members who
are present. Please call 307.739.7463 in advance.
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Media contact: Karen Connelly, 307 739 7380,
kconnelly@tetonhospital.org
ABOUT ST. JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTER
St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, offers patient-centered
clinical excellence and community wellness services through a full-service
hospital, primary care, and specialty physician practices, and a long-term
care Living Center. For more information, visit tetonhospital.org
ABOUT ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The mission of the St. John’s Hospital Foundation is to secure philanthropic
support to advance the mission and strategic objectives of St. John’s
Medical Center, including patient-centered care, clinical excellence,
and community wellness.