Caring Cards
Project History:
Caring Cards is a County Wide Initiative that was launched two years ago to support community members during a vulnerable transition from hospital to home.
Our goal of this initiative is to provide handwritten messages of hope for patients and clients who are recovering from mental health, suicidality, substance use or other behavioral health issues.
Project Goals:
Reach an even larger demographic of card writers to get more of the county involved
Continue to build strong relationships with card writers by implementing surveys to get feedback
Release a revised training video
Prepare cards to be delivered to partners and card writers
When people experiencing distress are hospitalized, the care transition period can be challenging. For starters, they may no longer be receiving care or will need to be accessing care after their discharge. Perhaps some have families to provide support and others may not, and some might have increased vulnerability or risk for suicide. The Caring Card initiative supports our neighbors, friends and loved ones with messages to support hope and recovery. We know that cultivating a sense of belonging and acceptance can go a long way towards helping a person in recovery feel that life is worth living. In a program similar to the Caring Card initiative, more than 80% of former psychiatric unit patients surveyed said receiving a "get well soon" card would have helped their recovery. Words of hope and encouragement can remind those at discharge or following a visit that they are not alone and recovery is possible.
If you’re interested in learning more and/or participating in any way, please email info@marin9to25.org.