St. John’s Hospital in Far Rockaway offers free virtual support groups

St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway is offering free virtual emotional support groups through the Zoom platform in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the Covid-19 illness.

“Covid-19 remains an unseen adversary, and SJEH recognizes how important emotional support is for our community members as we live through this pandemic,” Terri Coyle, a licensed social worker and the hospital’s vice president of behavioral health said in a statement. “We want to make it as convenient as possible for the public to get this type of care, and through this program we are able to do just that at no cost to participants.”

The support groups are led by facilitators who worked in the Rockaways providing similar support after the events of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, and will focus on different aspects of emotional support including coping with grief, loss, stress, and anxiety.

“This program illustrates our commitment to the health and well-being of our community members,” Jerry Walsh, St. John’s CEO stated in a news release. “By offering these virtual support groups during the pandemic, we are doing our part to facilitate healing within the community.”

To register for the free virtual support groups, contact the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Wellness and Recovery Center at (718) 869-5096, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Classes are available in English and Spanish.  Zoom details will be provided upon registration.