Bereavement support services
The City’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction program offers a range of free bereavement support services for those who are grieving the loss of a Philadelphia resident due to substance use.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others and need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Telephonic crisis support is available by texting “START” to 741-741 or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The opioid epidemic has hit our city especially hard. Much of our work in Philadelphia has focused on trying to prevent overdoses and drug-related deaths. But our work should not—and does not—end there. Behind every death is a vast network of family and friends that are left shattered. Loved ones often face a complex grief experience that if left untreated can lead to trauma and other negative health consequences.
Our bereavement support services offer a safe space in the form of peer support groups, grief counseling, bereavement support for peers and clinicians, and more. We approach our clients with empathy and a commitment to support them during this difficult time.
Peer support groups
Virtual peer support groups are open to any adult who is:
- 18+ years of age.
- Grieving the loss of a Philadelphia resident who died from an accidental drug overdose.
Grief counseling
Grief cannot be “cured,” but it can be managed, processed, and worked through in counseling that can:
- Identify new coping skills.
- Calm negative thoughts (i.e., guilt and self-blame).
Grief peers
Connect one-on-one with another individual grieving a substance use loss for support and connection.
Grief workshops
Psychoeducational workshops on a variety of topics related to grief..
Bereavement support for peers and clinicians
Support groups for those who are interested in discussing and processing the grief and loss experienced through their work in the substance use community.
Share your story
Many individuals grieving a substance use loss find purpose in sharing their stories with the hope that it may help somebody else.
Data and prevention
- OD Stat: Learn more about Philadelphia’s overdose death review team.
- Substance Use Philly: Current data on substance use, misuse, and overdose trends
Resources
- Broken No More: An online forum dedicated to the hope that more enlightened drug policies may help stem the tide of addiction and overdose.
- GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing): An online community for support and healing.
Contact
If you have general questions, please contact our team at griefsupport@phila.gov. If you have questions for our team members, please see Staff.
Staff
