Up Next, Nov. 16: Helping COVID’s Secondary Victims: Grieving Families and Friends
COVID-19 is taking a devastating toll — not just on patients but also their families and friends. For every person who dies of the virus, nine close family members are affected, researchers estimate. Many people are shaken by the circumstances under which loved ones pass away — rapid declines, sudden deaths and an inability to be there at the end. In addition to deep sadness, the ripple effects may linger for years as survivors deal with traumatic stress, anxiety, guilt and regret.
As the holidays approach, millions of people will be experiencing these losses afresh, as well as disruptions to comforting routines and beloved traditions.
Please join us for a Facebook Live event sponsored by KFF Health News on grief and bereavement during the coronavirus pandemic, airing on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. ET. Judith Graham, author of KFF Health News’s Navigating Aging column, will explore the unprecedented losses so many people are experiencing, with insight from Holly Prigerson, co-director of the Center for Research on End-of-Life Care at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and Diane Snyder-Cowan, leader of the bereavement professionals steering committee of the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals. These experts will also discuss coping strategies and potential sources of help.
You can watch the conversation here and submit questions in advance below or to KFF Health Newssocial@kff.org.
