Family Support Group to Aid Those Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide or Overdose

Yulee, FL — Losing a family member to suicide or overdose is a crushing experience for everyone involved. The pain, shame and guilt can be overwhelming, yet survivors often feel as if there is no one to talk to who will understand. 

A new Family Support Group offered by Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, in association with the Vinson Foundation, provides a safe and comforting opportunity to spend time with others who have similar experiences. The groups are open to anyone and will be facilitated by mental health professionals. 

“Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, suicide and overdose rates have risen,” said CEO Dr. Laureen Pagel. Promoting emotional wellness through community education and awareness is one of the most important pillars to our mission at Starting Point. I believe it is our responsibility to address what’s going on right here in our community. It is my hope that The Family Support Group will provide a home to anyone that needs to talk, understand, and grieve.” 

The groups will be offered twice each month in Nassau County. At the Hilliard Drop In Center, the group is offered on the last Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The address is 371015 Eastwood Road in Hilliard. On the second Tuesday of each month, the group will meet at the Fernandina Drop-In Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The address is 2201 Sadler Road in Fernandina Beach.  On the second Tuesday of each month, the group will meet in the large Youth group room at the Journey Church in Yulee. The address is 95707 Amelia Concourse, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. View the event on Facebook.

**The Hilliard Family Support Group is currently paused and the Fernandina Beach Support Group has now moved to the Journey Church in Yulee.

There is no pre-registration required, but masks or face coverings are required to attend.  For more information, contact Kayla Woodle at 904.225.8280, ext. 473 or click here.

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About Starting Point 

Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare provides mental health and substance abuse treatment services to children, teens and adults in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. The non-profit agency serves more than 3,000 individuals each year and has been serving the region for more than 28 years. Starting Point is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, please visit spbh.org.