Nonprofit grief support center Michael's Place is launching a new support group for those who have experienced a loved one's death due to addiction or overdose.

The Prescribing Hope group will be held the first and third Mondays of each month at 5:30pm at Michael's Place, located at 1212 Veterans Drive in Traverse City. The support group is being offered in conjunction with Families Against Narcotics. According to Michael's Place, while the organization "has been caring for the bereaved who've lost loved ones to overdose and addiction for many years," the need has been compounded by the current opioid epidemic. 

“Overdose deaths continue to rise in the United States, and we are seeing that same increase in our local community,” says Melissa Fournier, program director at Michael's Place. “Families Against Narcotics has begun important work in our community, and when they approached us to talk about grief and bereavement, it only made sense that we would work together to begin support groups specific to loss by overdose and addiction."

For the bereaved, loss by overdose is often "traumatic, disenfranchising, and complicated," according to Michael's Place. "The support of others who understand this loss firsthand is essential to decreasing the sense of isolation and stigmatization so many often feel."

Those interested in enrolling in the support group or seeking more information on services can contact Michael's Place at 231-947-6453.