IDS offers new program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf's Integrated Delivery System, a group that is responsible for developing and monitoring base-wide outreach and prevention programs, offers a new support program called Healing Empty Arms Through Sharing, which begins Oct. 8. 

HEARTS, led by Chaplain (Capt.) James Claggett and his wife, Jan, takes place 7-9 p.m. every other Thursday at the Health and Wellness Center. The course is meant for those who have lost a child due to still birth, miscarriage or sudden infant death. 

"My wife and I lost our first child when we were living down in South Dakota. There was a HEARTS group in the hospital," said Claggett. "They helped us through a very difficult time, and now we would like to do the same for others." 

Claggett said this group is designed to help parents work through their grief and open up to each other while surrounded by other couples who have experienced similar tragedies. The size of the group will be no more than 20 people. 

"A loss of a child is an issue that needs to be discussed by couples," said Claggett. "About 80 percent of marriages fail if some type of counseling isn't sought. However, that number falls from 80 percent to 20 percent when there is (counseling)." 

Leyla Kelter, director of the Health and Wellness Center, was one of the main supporters to get the group started. "I think there are more people out there who have lost a child than we think," she said. "I think this is a very important to have available." 

There is still space available. To sign up or for more information, call Claggett at 552-6637.