Hospice of the Red River Valley invites health care professionals to its September Lunch and Learn as we continue to explore various topics related to end-of-life care.

The next Lunch and Learn will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, from noon – 1 p.m. Christi McGeorge, associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at North Dakota State University, will present, “Playful Techniques for Working with Families and Children in the Context of Grief and Loss.” Attendees will learn directive play therapy interventions that can be used with children and families experiencing grief and loss, and the benefits of play therapy.

Hospice of the Red River Valley is an approved provider of continuing education for social workers in North Dakota. This program has been approved for 1 contact hour for social workers.

For your convenience, Lunch and Learns will be held at three Hospice of the Red River Valley locations: Fargo – 1701 38th St. SW, Fargo, N.D.; Lisbon – 415 Main Street, Lisbon, N.D.; or Valley City – 1240 W Main Street, Valley City, N.D. The Lisbon and Valley City office locations will be connected via video conference to the Fargo office where the live presentation will take place.

Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Contact Missy at melissa.haut@hrrv.org or 701-356-1563 one week prior to the lunch and learn and indicate which location you will be attending. Participants may bring their own lunches; coffee and water will be provided.

Lunch and Learns are free and open to all health care professionals. They will be held on an ongoing basis every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November) on the third Tuesday of the month from noon – 1 p.m. Specific topics and descriptions will be shared closer to each date.

Hospice of the Red River Valley is offering the following grief and loss programs this fall. Registration is required and space is limited.

Beyond Widowhood will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays from September 17 – November 5. This eight-session class for men and women will address the more practical aspects of widowhood. It is not intended for those widowed less than one year. Discussion topics include maintaining emotional and physical health, re-examination of values, decision-making, home maintenance, making connections, dating and financial planning. The registration deadline is September 12, and the registration fee is $40.

Journeying Through Grief will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursdays from October 11-November 1. This is a four-session workshop for recently bereaved adults to help them understand their grief, explore methods of self-care and to embrace memories. The registration deadline is Friday, October 5, and the registration fee is $20.

Youth Journeys will be held Saturday, November 3 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This program is for young people, ages 6-18, who have lost a loved one through death. A portion of the day will include parent/guardian participation. Registration is required by October 29.

All classes will be held at Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St. S, Fargo, N.D. For more information or to register, contact the Journeys Department at (701) 356-1500, or visit our website www.hrrv.org.

Hospice of the Red River Valley seeks individuals to join its volunteer team, specifically as companionship volunteers. Join us at an informational session to learn more about volunteer opportunities. The information sessions are free, open to the public and without obligation.

Volunteer information sessions will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at Noon and Thursday, September 6 at 5:30 p.m., both at Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St. S. Ste. 101, Fargo. Individuals need only attend one session.

Hospice provides a flexible volunteer schedule. For more information, please contact Deb Kluck, volunteer services manager, at 701-356-1514 or dkluck@hrrv.org.