Parents and advocates in Pennsylvania are calling for the establishment of statewide grief support services for individuals affected by drug-related losses. This initiative follows the tragic experiences of families like that of Susan Ousterman, whose son, Tyler Cordeiro, died of a drug overdose in 2020. Tyler’s death occurred in Bucks County, where he was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Philadelphia.
The significance of the location lies in the availability of Philly HEALs, a specialized grief support program that provides free counseling and resources to those who have lost loved ones to substance use. Ousterman found solace in the program, stating, “They were incredible. They absolutely changed the trajectory of my healing journey.” Now, she and other grieving families are advocating for similar support to be available across the state.
Advocating for Comprehensive Support Services
Ousterman and her peers are urging state agencies to allocate funds from opioid settlement money to create a cohesive support system for all Pennsylvanians facing similar losses. “It impacts the whole family,” she emphasized. “It’s very intricate. And we need this more.” The plea for support arises from the recognition that grief does not affect only immediate family members but extends to friends and communities as well.
The Philly HEALs program, established in 2019, serves as a successful model for statewide implementation. This initiative was launched in response to a growing demand for bereavement support among those mourning the loss of a loved one due to substance use. Funded entirely by the city, the program offers services free of charge, removing barriers related to health insurance.
With over 4,000 individuals having benefited from its services, Rachel Essy, program manager and licensed marriage and family therapist, noted, “Just having a place where there’s no judgment… this is a place to share about your loved one.” The program provides virtual and in-person peer support groups tailored to different experiences, including parent loss, sibling loss, and group therapy for men.
Addressing Grief and Financial Strain
Ousterman’s experience with grief after Tyler’s death illuminated the complexity of emotions faced by families dealing with addiction. She described the relentless fear and anxiety experienced while living with a child struggling with substance use. Following Tyler’s death, she found some relief but was quickly met with a new wave of profound grief.
While Ousterman has coordinated some peer support groups through her nonprofit, the Vilomah Foundation, the resources available are insufficient to meet the growing demand in Bucks County. Although a proposal for a larger network of grief support services was previously submitted, it did not progress, highlighting a gap in available support.
As Ousterman and her colleagues advocate for a statewide program, they emphasize the need for not only coordinated grief support services but also financial assistance for families facing unexpected funeral costs. They seek to connect with medical examiner’s offices and funeral homes to provide support at the moment it is needed most. “If people don’t have that support, you can’t authentically grieve,” Ousterman stated.
The urgency for these services is echoed by numerous families across Pennsylvania who are navigating their grief alone. As the call for comprehensive statewide support grows, advocates hope that state leaders will prioritize the emotional and financial needs of families impacted by the opioid crisis.
