"Support group members look at you not with sympathy but with understanding."
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. 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:
"And you could keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles in your life. Your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy." From The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Bariatric Support Group
For those struggling with obesity
Days: 2nd Mondays
Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Place: Auditorium
Contact: Irene Marble,
360-385-2200 ext 2728
Bereavement Support Group
For family members coping with loss
Days: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare outreach & support facility, second floor sunroom, Building 29
Contact: Karrie Cannon,
360-385-2200 ext. 4645
Bereavement Support Group in Port Ludlow
For family members coping with loss
Days: 2nd & 4th Thursdays
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Place: Port Ludlow Community Church
9534 Oak Bay Road
Contact: Karrie Cannon,
360-385-2200 ext. 4645
Better Breathers Support Group
For people with lung and breathing problems
Day: 3rd Wednesday
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital, Olympic Room on first floor by physical therapy
Contact: Hilary Metzger,
360-385-2200 ext. 1220
General Cancer Support Group
For people with cancer and their family members
Days: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare outreach & support facility, second floor sunroom, Building 29
Contact: Karrie Cannon
360-385-0610
Women's Cancer Group
Days: 2nd Tuesday
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Place: Wellness area
Contact: Karrie Cannon
360-385-2200 ext. 4645
Cardiac Support Group
For people who have cardiac disease and their family members
Day: 2nd Wednesday
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Place:Jefferson Healthcare Hospital, Olympic Room on first floor by physical therapy
Contact: Judy King
360-385-2200 ext. 1230
Caregivers Support Group
Combined meeting with Alzheimer’s support for family, friends and caregivers of people with memory loss or medical debility.
Day: 1st and 3rd Fridays
Time: 10:30 to noon
Place: Jefferson Healthcare outreach & support facility, second floor sunroom
Contact: Mark Cherniack,
360-385-2200 ext. 2015
mcherniack@jgh.org
Chronic Illness / Fibromyalgia Support Group
For anyone with a chronic illness who is in need of support
Day: 1st & 4th Wednesdays
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare outreach & support facility, second floor sunroom
Contact: Judith Wolfe,
360-385-2200 ext. 4647 (leave message with Ed Presnal)
CPAP Users Group
For patients and their families
Day: 1st Wednesday
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Puget room
Contact: Judith Wolfe,
360-385-2200 ext. 4647 (leave message with Ed Presnal)
Diabetes Support Group
Meets for brown bag lunch
Day: 4th Tuesday
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
(bring a sack lunch)
Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Auditorium
Contact: Amber Benner, RN,
360-385-2200 ext. 1240
Look Good, Feel Better
Helps women dealing with the physical side effects of cancer treatment. Sponsored by American Cancer Society, it provides assistance with skin, hair, nutrition, wigs and head wraps.
Day: 1st Monday
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Auditorium
Register at 800-ACS-2345
Parkinson’s Support Group
For those with Parkinson’s disease and their family members
Day: 3rd Monday
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Place: Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Puget Room
Contact: Judith Wolfe,
360-385-2200 ext. 4647 (leave message with Ed Presnal)
Tobacco Support Group
Day: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Place: Puget Room
Contact: Brenda DiPrete,
360-385-2200 ext. 1222
"Every day move ahead. Do the common everyday things that remind you—you are alive . . ." Unknown