New programs and support groups begin at St. John's Health

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 Health 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 Health 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.