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All Home Nursing Agency News

infographic - 1 in 12 PA children experience death of a loved one by 18

Growing with Grief

A Look at Childhood Bereavement Rates and Support for Local Grieving Children Long overlooked, childhood bereavement is a critical issue and an increasingly important national priority. Nationally, one in 14 children, or 5.2 million, will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 based on the 2020 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM). By age 25, that number more than doubles to 13.2 million. The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) was developed by

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Local Media Share Healing Patch’s “OK’s of COVID-19”

As Healing Patch staff Melody Ray and Shalen Steinbugl recognized the great losses we face related to COVID-19, they authored a blog post called “The OK’s of COVID-19: Validating Our Reponses to the Pandemic.” Various media outlets shared the resources the Healing Patch is offering to grieving children and families, as well as these statements validating the difficult emotions everyone is facing in this time.

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infographic of the 'ok's' of covid-19

The OK’s of COVID-19: Validating Our Responses to the Pandemic

1. It is OK to have many feelings at once. On any given day, you may experience a multitude of feelings, such as feeling overwhelmed by all of the daily changes, angry at cancelled events, disappointed by missed opportunities, sad that you cannot spend time with family and friends, wary when you cross someone at the grocery store, or too exhausted to even get out of bed. These feelings you are having are normal and

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Early Intervention Manager Shares about Infant Development

Diane Ringler, Early Intervention Manager, recently shared her experiences with infant development as part of WTAJ’s positive parenting series. This story focused on babies’ ability to predict behavior of others through their social interactions early in life. Click here to view the story on WTAJ’s website.

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HNA 50th Anniversary Recognized in Altoona Mirror

Altoona Mirror staff writer Walt Frank featured Home Nursing Agency’s 50th anniversary in a recent story. HNA celebrates milestone50 years of in-home care JUL 1, 2018 WALT FRANKStaff Writerwfrank@altoonamirror.com From its humble beginning in 1968 with six part-time nurses, Home Nursing Agency has grown into a trusted leader in the community health network, with nearly 1,000 employees serving more than 23,000 people throughout western and central Pennsylvania. Home Nursing Agency — then called Blair County Collaborating Home Nursing

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Grief Specialist Authors Children’s Book, Publicized Locally

Accidental overdoses continue to rise across our country, leaving families at a loss as to how to assist the children who are grieving. When Melody Ray, Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist for Home Nursing Agency and Family Hospice and Palliative Care, sought resources to help local children and families cope with losing a loved one to an overdose, she came up short. The lack of resources prompted Melody to author a book, Someone I Love Died from a Drug

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AIDS Intervention Project Observes World AIDS Day on Central PA Live

In observation of World AIDS Day on December 1st, Jerry Rice, AIDS Intervention Project Manager, and Donna Gority, AIDS Intervention Project Advisory Committee member, were featured guests on Central PA Live. Jerry and Donna shared about how the program began and encouraged viewers to be tested for HIV/AIDS, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Click here to view the segment.

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Bedford Gazette Highlights Program to Support the Health of Local Seniors

Bedford Gazette shared a story about the cooperative effort to improve the physical and mental health of seniors in Bedford County. Rod Burket, HNA Home Health Psych Case Manager has played a significant role in the initiative and is quoted about the effectiveness of the program. UPMC hospital noted for meeting local needs By the Gazette staff UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital has been recognized by a national association for its “best practices,” as part of the

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Central PA Live Showcases Family Hospice Support for Caregivers

Family Hospice Social Worker Shannon Chille and Bereavement Coordinator Jennifer Cox recently joined Central PA Live host Dawn Pellas to share how hospice care supports the families and caregivers – not just patients – throughout the hospice journey and beyond. Click here to view the segment. 

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Nurse-Family Partnership Featured on Central PA Live

Nurse-Family Partnership®, a national evidence-based program for first-time moms, was featured on a recent segment of Central PA Live with Director Lisa Ritchey and Blair County Supervisor Arlene Wojno sharing how the program can positively impact families in our region. Click here to view the segment. 

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Sheetz Fellows participants Jocelyn Carles and Hollie Keller next to the Curry Building

Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program Observes Children’s Grief Awareness Month in November 2024, Invites Participation

In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Month this November, the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program is coming together with other members of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to “flip the script” on grief. Throughout the month, we are collectively committed to providing essential tools and resources to foster a more grief-informed society. This initiative seeks to address the common challenges people face when supporting those who are grieving, aiming to replace potentially hurtful statements

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Family Hospice Offers Free Webinar with World-Renowned Grief Expert on Nov. 18

Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, is pleased to offer a live webinar featuring world-renowned author and grief educator, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Offered in partnership with Stevens Family Funeral Home, this webinar is titled “Tending to Your Broken Heart when Someone Dies: Hope for Your Healing” and will be held on Mon., Nov. 18 from 3-6 p.m. at UPMC Altoona. A virtual option is also available. Dr. Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s

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decades club event on september 28, 2024

Decades Club Raffle Drawing and Evening of Dancing to Benefit the Healing Patch on Sept. 28

Tickets are sold out for the 2024 Decades Club to benefit the Healing Patch Children’s Grief Program. This evening of prizes and music will be held at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona on Saturday, September 28. Dance and sing with us through the decades, and dine with us through the cultures with chances to win cash and prizes! The Reverse Raffle drawing will award more than $4,500 in cash prizes as we enjoy food stations from

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