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RTS Bereavement Services

Bereavement Services (formerly Resolve Through Sharing) is a program designed to support parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby. Whether due to an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, therapeautic termination, stillbirth or neonatal death, we are here to listen.

Grieving is a normal response to the death of a loved one. When a baby dies, the family may also mourn the loss of their hopes and dreams, and of their lifetime with that child. Caring, supportive hospital staff can help the family through the initial shock and crisis in an effort to adjust to their changed life without their baby. This is the focus of RTS Bereavement Services. We offer immediate and on-going support during the family's time of need.

The Program

The RTS program uses a team approach to help the family through this difficult period. Representatives from nursing, spiritual care, social services, the funeral home and other related community services all are involved with assisting the family at the beginning of the grieving process. This program is available to each and every grieving mother, father and family. Our support includes listening to the mother and family, as well as honoring the baby. We offer positive choices and provide an opportunity to identify family needs and make decisions that can hold some positive memories.

After discharge, an RTS counselor is in contact with the mother and family as long as they deem necessary. The grieving period has no timetable, and we will be there to offer support for as long as we are needed.

Many parents and family members find great comfort in sharing their loss with others who have travelled the same road. We encourage the parent to attend an RTS support group with their partner, another supportive person, or alone. Following are support group details:

Support Groups

When

Second Thursday of each month - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In case of bad weather, call the Crouse Hospital switchboard at (315) 470-7111 for information about cancellation.

Where

Marley Education Center, corner of Irving and Waverly Avenue, across from Crouse Hospital, Room 410 (4th floor, elevator available).

Fee/Registration

No fee or registration is required.

Parking

Free parking is available in the Crouse Hospital garage on Irving Avenue. (Map and Directions) The group facilitator validates parking tickets.

Mementos

Memories of the baby can help the parents and family through this difficult time. The family will be offered memory boxes, literature specific to the type of loss, photographs and gold rings. The items are provided free of charge from Crouse Hospital through donations from caring individuals, including many who have benefited from our program.

At the hospital, photographs are taken of each newborn baby, and they are available in two to three weeks. When the baby's photos arrive, an RTS counselor will contact the parents to set a time to receive and discuss the pictures to let them serve as a positive remembrance.

For Further Information

For more information about RTS Bereavement Services, or to reach a counselor, contact Janet Press, RNC or Kathy Gorzka at (315) 470-2768.
For more information about regional bereavement services:
Bereavement Support References by County text /p>