Navigating Re-entry Town Hall Virtual Event Addressed Fears and Anxiety We Face as we Return to Society After Pandemic

Source: Hospice Santa Barbara

Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) virtual event Navigating Re-Entry Town Hall brought a range of community leaders on June 29th who came together to discuss the fears, anxiety, and questions we all have as we contemplate a return to society after the pandemic.  

This was in direct response to questions everyone has been hearing in the community. The Town Hall presented many feelings of uncertainty, questions, and concern and, while our expert panel may not have had all the answers, the sense that “we are all in this together and feeling many of the same things” provides comfort to those feeling uneasy during this time.  

The spectrum of emotions from the audience ranged from hopeful, nervous, relief, stress and feelings of “whiplash”.  The conversation hit on many important topics including dealing with immediate family members/social circles who are in different stages of these feelings, those who are vaccinated but who have young children or others in their lives who are not, and fear about new variants.  

“By giving a voice to concerns about stepping back into society and naming them, HSB’s Navigating Re-Entry Town Hall was an important first step in to understanding this new reality,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We hope everyone in the community gets a chance to watch the virtual video and know that we are getting through this together.” 

Panelists included:  

• Catherine Remak, K-LITE FM, Gary & Catherine show co-host 
• Suzanne Grimmesey, PIO/Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer, SB County 
• Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools 
• Eddie Ellner, Founder of Yoga Soup 
• Kristen Rohm, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Hospice of Santa Barbara 
• Charles Caldwell, Moderator (and new parent), Hospice of Santa Barbara 

To watch the English version, please click: https://youtu.be/U5dJOhIFp_k 

To watch the Spanish version, please click:  https://youtu.be/Hr0VWBQ3zAc