The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Mary Fleming, MSW, is on a mission to help grieving people. She wants to spread the word about the free bereavement services Community Home Health & Hospice offers. “Grief is personal and people are afraid to reach out for help,” said Fleming. “They may think they are handling it okay.” She has seen grief support group attendees walk away with amazing support and a desire to help others. “You find that there are other people who understand you and can share your grief with you,” said Fleming.

It has been just over a year since Fleming volunteered to lead the suicide support group, initially because she was the only social worker available. She never expected she would enjoy the group. It has become a passion of hers to help these individuals through horrific loss, and she loves it. Fleming holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from WSU and a Masters in Social Work from USC. In her free time, she likes camping with her family and listening to audio books. She will lead a free support group for teen survivors of suicide loss beginning September 26, at the James Avery Center, 1000 – 12th Ave., Longview, WA. An adult suicide support group starts September 27, at the Elaine & Don Heimbigner Hospice Care Center, 3102 NE 134th St., Vancouver, or to register contact: 360.703.0300 or griefsupport@chhh.org.