Oct 14 | DC Coalition to Support Caregivers Virtual Listening Session
The DC Coalition to Support Caregivers is a newly formed group of faith-based institutions and community partners working to make a difference for unpaid caregivers.
Unpaid caregivers are all around us – in our neighborhoods, our congregations and in our own families. Recent data from the CDC shows that almost half of us are in this role. And often, we don’t identify with the word “caregiver” – instead it’s, “I’m just a daughter” or “just a son” – insert whatever word applies to you: granddaughter, nephew, neighbor, friend. Picking up meds, driving to appointments, helping with bills – these are all caregiving.
Being a caregiver for a loved one can be an honor…it’s also really hard. According to the same CDC study, 70% of parents and/or caregivers reported at least one adverse mental health symptom… anxiety, depression, or TSRD. What can make a difference? Knowing there is trusted support available and being able to access it when needed.
The mission of the Coalition is to facilitate that trusted support by leveraging community assets based on needs expressed directly from caregivers in DC and beyond.
We are starting this journey with a specific focus on caregivers in DC’s Ward 7. No one knows better what that support should be than caregivers themselves, and we want to hear directly from Ward 7 caregivers. Community members are invited to join this a virtual listening session on October 14 at 6:30 p.m. to help inform the work of the Coalition to best support local caregivers.
RSVPs are kindly requested to participate in the event.