Hospice outsources bereavement services

Kauai Hospice has outsourced its emergency bereavement services, commonly known as the Beeper Team.

Effective Oct. 1, the team’s six volunteers will become the Bridges Emergency Support Team as part of a nonprofit organization called Life’s Bridges Hawaii Inc, according to a Hospice statement.

Founder Gina Kaulukukui will serve as program director until an executive director is hired.

“This is a great opportunity for the Beeper Team to address a growing need for grief support, not only on Kaua‘i, but statewide,” Kaulukukui said in a press release. “With the kokua of Kaua‘i Hospice, we are certain of a seamless transition.”

The Bridges Emergency Support Team will be comprised of specially trained bereavement counselors who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to sudden and unexpected deaths on the island.

The volunteers will assist with practical tasks, telephoning family and friends, handling mortuary arrangements, making airline reservations as well as providing emotional support and helping to address the deep grief that arises from such unexpected events, states the press release.

“We are so proud of the Beeper Team and respect the need for their services. While we are sad to see our baby all grown up, we are also beaming with excitement that this vital program is ready for maturity outside of Kaua‘i Hospice,” Hospice Executive Director Judy Smith said in the release.

The organization’s founding board of directors includes Tom Bird, Maile Bryan, Mary Devine, Sharon Edwards, Mark Marshall, Roberta Simpkins, John Wada and Kaua‘i Police Department Assistant Chief Roy Asher.