@ghandzo and @GraceChrist share with @SWHPN audience about lessons learned in the early days of the AIDS crisis: We were on a “committee of the willing” but didn’t know what was happening. These young men, some identifying as gay, were dying from a rapidly life-threatening cancer

@GraceChrist shares that one of her favorite moments of change was when she & SW Lori Weiner held Medical Rounds presenting 20 pts as whole people, talking about their jobs, and explaining why they were a priority for #SocialWork — distress, pain, & other complex social issues

@ghandzo shares that a point of pride for him is that hospital #Chaplains were able to work with patients & families through complex psychosocial & spiritual issues of the epidemic even when the church struggled to be a welcoming place for the gay community at that time. #HAPC

@ghandzo brings up a great point about #MoralDistress in 2020 vs. the eighties — “it really wasn’t talked about then. It just wasn’t cool.” In the medical system, mental & emotional health was not openly discussed. #HAPC

Both speakers point out that #COVID19 can be something that causes danger to people with AIDS orbHIV as it could be 1) emotionally triggering, 2) they are risk, & 3) like others with chronic illness, some may choose not to seek treatment to avoid COVID which is risky. #HAPC

Discussing 9/11, @GraceChrist talks about her work with grieving widows. She shares that a big connection here is the suddenness of the losses, as well as the fact that some are experiencing multiple losses. #HAPC #Trauma #Grief

Handzo: “the part of grief we haven’t seen the effects of yet is disenfranchised grief….I hope it’s not that bad but…” Handzo talks about family members who are unable to see patients from when they are admitted to a hospital until after a body is cremated as an example here.

@ghandzo “you just said if there’s a role for #socialwork and #Chaplaincy. There is a role. We don’t know the sweet spot yet, but we’re everywhere.” Well said George! @MeaningComfort @SWHPN #HAPC

Handzo advises us all not to be lone rangers. Use your teams and communicate with each other. Take care of your team and let your team take care of you. #HAPC #TeamSport

Christ talks about the intersection of trauma & grief. It takes time in this space for people who have been “struck by lightning” to make progress forward in their recovery, to trust that you are there for them, & time & presence to help them make meaning to process is important