Support groups are an important part of healing and learning to live with chronic illness or loss. A support group will provide you with an opportunity to meet other people who are in a situation similar to your own. You will have a chance to express yourself, to explore solutions to problems, to learn coping skills, and to gain new insights about living comfortably. The support group setting is positive and nonjudgmental. Support group members look at you not with sympathy but with understanding. The common bond that comes from sharing can bring relief from the stresses of living with loss or chronic illness. Jefferson Healthcare offers the following monthly and bimonthly facilitated support groups:
For family members coping with loss Days: First and third Wednesday Time: 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Place: Home Health and Hospice, 2500 W. Sims Way, 3rd Floor, (round-about at Howard) Contact: Golda Posey 360-385-0610
For people with lung and breathing problems Day: Third Monday Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital, Olympic Room, on the first floor by the Physical Therapy department Contact: Hilary Metzger, RN 360-385-2200, ext. 1220