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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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Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group

The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group is designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. It helps participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The group encourages caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.

Date and Time:  6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Schedule:  Second Wednesday each month
Contact Person:  Daun Barrett
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Bereaved Parent Support Group

The Bereaved Parent Support Group meetings provides grief education and support designed for someone dealing with the loss of a child. It is open to everyone. Meetings are facilitated by a member of the Pastoral Care department. Due to limited capacity, registration is required for all sessions. You must pre-register by phone by calling Jo Clare Wilson at 203-732-1100.

Schedule:  Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Contact Person:  Jo Clare Wilson
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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. You must pre-register by phone by calling either Andrea Rudolph at 203-732-1132 or Jo Clare Wilson at 203-732-1100.

Schedule:  Tuesdays, Noon - 1:30 PM
Contact Person:  Jo Clare Wilson
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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 Thursday of each month in the large conference room in The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. The schedule may be adjusted for holidays.

Contacts:

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

For more information about this support group, please call Michelle McLane at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital at (203) 732-1300.

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Diabetes Education & Support Group

The Diabetes Education & Support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:30-4 PM in CBC A and 6:30-8 PM in Dining Room 1 at Griffin Hospital. Please contact Mary at 203-732-1137 with any questions.

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 - 3:30 PM.
Contact Person:  Daun Barrett
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HEAL (Healing Emotionally Abused Lives)

HEAL (Healing Emotionally Abused Lives) is a Connecticut-based organization providing validation, emotional safety and resources to those who have experienced trauma and abuse of any kind, particularly emotional abuse and violation. HEAL is also dedicated to re-framing and expanding individual's and social understanding of family abuse and violence. This is a facilitated support group for victims and survivors (both men and women) of abuse and trauma.

The group meets every second Monday of the month. Please check with the Griffin Hospital Information Desk for meeting room, as it may vary month to month.

For more information about the support group at Griffin Hospital, please contact Ilene Wolf at (203) 305-2137 or i_wolf@emotionalheal.org. For more information on HEAL, please visit www.emotionalheal.org.

Date and Time:  6:30 - 8:00 P.M.
Schedule:  Second Monday each month
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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 6:00 - 7:30 PM. People planning to attend should always the call the day of the meeting in case of weather or other cancellations. Please contact Kathleen Martin at (203) 732-7591 or (203) 732-7459.

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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.

For more information, please contact Lisa at (203) 231-4716.

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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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Poker Mondays (for men with cancer)

Poker Mondays is a unique support group experience for men with cancer. Meeting each Monday from 12-1 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, attendees will play poker for coffee and meal tickets. It's low stakes and low stress, but lots of fun. Some refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Cormac Levenson at Clevenson@griffinhealth.org or (203) 732-1126.

Date and Time:  Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m.
Schedule:  Weekly
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Sharing Hearts of Griffin Hospital

"Sharing Hearts of Griffin Hospital" is a support group associated with the Valley Heart Club. It is intended to offer further support for those with heart disease. The discussions center around a variety of topics, all related to the challenges of coping with the disease process.

There are no dues. Anyone is welcome to attend. Those who attend are encouraged to become a member of the Valley Heart Club.

The information for the location of each meeting will be available at the reception desk, inside the entrance to the hospital. For further information about the meetings, or joining the group, call (203) 736-2128.

Date and Time:  5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Schedule:  Third Tuesday each month (except Feb., July, Aug. & Dec.)
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Sleep Apnea Support Group

The sleep apnea support group meets on the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Meditation and Learning Center at Griffin Hospital. Please call (203) 732-7571 with any questions.
Contact Person:  Jackie Hoyle
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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

The focus of this support group is to support the patient trying to cope with how the diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment is impacting their life, particularly helpful for the patient who is receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The group discussion is facilitated by a Psychiatric Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse and Oncology Nurse who can provide education and address concerns related to cancer treatment.

Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the Radiation Oncology Family Room at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

Caregivers are welcome!

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Widow / Widower Support Group

The Widow and Widower Support Group offers facilitated meetings to those learning to live with the loss of their partner or spouse. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays and is led by a member of Griffin Hospital's Pastoral Care Department. Please contact Andrea Rudolph at 203-732-1132 or Jo Clare Wilson at 203-732-1100 with any questions.
Date and Time:  2:30 - 4:00 PM
Schedule:  Every Tuesday
Contact Person:  Jo Clare Wilson

*Schedules subject to change.

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