Support Groups

As part of its Planetree philosophy of care, Griffin Hospital is committed to patient empowerment and education, and hosts or sponsors several support groups.  Please see our calendar for current support group & program schedule.

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Bereavement Support Group

Bereavement support group meetings provide grief education and support and are open to anyone who is experiencing the loss of a loved one. Meetings are facilitated by a member of the Pastoral Care department. Due to limited capacity, registration is required for all sessions.
Schedule:  Tuesdays, Noon - 1:30 PM and 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Contact Person:  Jo Clare Wilson
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By Your Side - Caregiver Support Group

If you're helping a loved one get through cancer treatment you are a caregiver. Please join us the first Monday* of each month for our By Your Side caregiver support group meetings. Call 203-732-1260 if you would like to join us.

As a caregiver, you spend your days preparing meals, cleaning, providing transportation, talking to health care providers, administering medication, battling insurance companies and making sure your loved one gets everything they need.

You may not think of yourself as a caregiver. You may see what you're doing as something natural - taking care of someone you care about. In By Your Side caregiver support group meetings you can relax, take a deep breath and think about yourself for a little while.

By Your Side caregiver support group meetings offer a plethora of helpful tips, techniques, recipes and strategies for keeping life in balance.

Our By Your Side caregiver support group focuses on your unique needs, concerns and questions. Activities and topics include:

  • Taking care of your own health and staying healthy
  • Easy tips to help you get into shape - both physically and mentally
  • Sharing healthy recipes
  • Drawing on your spiritual resources for strength and support
  • Creating strategies for managing stress
  • Guest speakers

Healthy snacks provided.

By Your Side meetings will be lead by:

*If the first Monday of the month lands on a holiday, then the meeting will take place the second Monday of that month.

Date and Time:  11:00 AM
Schedule:  First Monday of each month
Contact Person:  Tracey Pittman
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Circle of Friends - Breast Cancer Support Group

No one has to face breast cancer alone. The Circle of Friends breast cancer support group is here to provide support through information, empowerment and peer support.  The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, but schedule may be adjusted for holidays.

Contacts:

Joyce / Rae / Jennifer
(203) 732-7566 / (203) 888-3993 / (203) 888-3645 / (203) 893-8009

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Diabetes Education & Support Group

The Diabetes Education & Support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Griffin Hospital Dining meeting room.
Date and Time:  11/10/12 6:30-7:30pm
Schedule:  2nd Tuesday every month except July and August
Contact Person:  Mary Swansiger
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Fibromyalgia Support Group

This group gives participants the opportunity to share information, offer encouragement and learn coping techniques for people affected with this condition.  Meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
Contact Person:  Daun Barrett
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HUGS - Cancer Support Group

HUGS (Help Unlimited Griffin Support) is a support group for cancer survivors and those with a current diagnosis, regardless of the type. Friends and family are always welcome.
Meetings are held every Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
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Mom to Mom - Social & Support Group

Mom to Mom is a facilitated support and social group for new and expectant mothers and their infants up to one year. Each meeting features a topic relevant to new motherhood and is followed by an hour-long play group.  Meets every Tuesday from 10:00 AM - Noon.

Contact Person:  Jennifer Matranga
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Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

A facilitated support group for those with MS. All are welcome.  Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.
Contact Person:  Daun Barrett
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Nursing Moms Support Group

Our Nursing Moms Support Group is facilitated by a board-certified lactation consultant and is open to any woman who is breastfeeding her child. Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7:00 -9:00 PM.
Contact Person:  Jennifer Matranga
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Sleep Apnea Support Group

The sleep apnea support group meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital.
Contact Person:  Kylie Palladino
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Valley Heart Club

The Valley Heart Club is a heart disease support group that educates through it's monthly meetings.  Meets the third Tuesday of every month (excluding July, August and December) from 7:00 - 8:00 PM.

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Voices of Hope - Cancer Support Group

A support group whose focus is to support individuals trying to cope with the diagnosis of cancer and how cancer treatment is impacting their lives. This group is particularly helpful for patients who are receiving chemotherapy and or radiation therapy. The group discussion is facilitated by a psychiatric APRN and an oncology certified registered nurse who can provide education and address concerns related to cancer treatment.
Meetings are held the fourth Friday of each month from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM in The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

*Schedules subject to change.

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