Southwest General Health Center offers a variety of FREE support groups to help you and your family begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have questions, or for more information, please call the Education Department at 440-816-8035. Otherwise, each group has its own phone number for registration (if necessary) and exact meeting location.
HEALTH-RELATED
Breastfeeding Mother's Support Group
First Wednesday and third Monday of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This free support group will help you meet other breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be to ask questions and get support. DIscussions are led by mothers and facilitated by certified lactation consultants. No registration is required. Call 440-816-8397 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group
Oct. 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
An educational support group for those people with diabetes and their friends and families. Call 440-816-5728.
Heartwise Education/Support Group
Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m.
This education/support group is a place to share thoughts and concerns with others who have heart conditions. Programs include information about diet, exercise and medications as well as occasional cooking demonstrations by Dr. David Lash, family practice. Call 440-816-5772.
Stroke Survivor Support Group
Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
This monthly gathering encourages stroke survivors to share resources and provide support to each other. Call 440-816-4093.
GRIEF-RELATED
Healthy Grief
Tuesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
This adult support group will help participants learn the mechanism of healthy grief. Group attendees will have an opportunity to share their stories of love and loss, receive support and offer support to others going through a similar process. Topics include: common symptoms of grief; secondary losses of grief; subsequent temporary upsurges of grief; and recreating an new, normal life. Registration is required. Call 440-816-5019.
"Out of the Valley": A Grief Support Group
Third Wednesdays, 2-3:30 p.m.
Support for those taking care of elderly or disabled persons is available. The professionally led group offers support and information about various issues through guest speakers, peer support and open meetings. There are daytime and evening meetings each month. Call 440-816-8450.
Sudden Loss Support Group
First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m.
Through the Sudden Loss Support Program, this support group is for those whose lives have been very suddenly changed by the death (loss) of a significant person. In this time of pain and uninvited change, the Program as a whole offers encouragement through guidance, telephone support, this organized support group and semi-annual Memorial Service. Call 1-877-SWG-BEAT (794-2328).
Looking Forward
Second and fourth Monday, 7-9 p.m.
This monthly bereavement group offers support, information and encouragement to those who have suffered a loss. Sharing with people who also are grieveing is an important part of this ongoing program. Call 440-816-8623.
Coping with the Holidays
Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
Participants of this support group will meet to discuss their stories of loss, hear how others are balancing their losses and their expectations of the holidays. The group will discuss the options that a person has when faced with important days throughout the year. Communication is key to surviving these days. Methods of communicating needs and wishes with your family members who also are grieving will be offered. Call 440-816-5019.
MISCELLANEOUS
Caregiver Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 7-9 p.m.
Support for those taking care of elderly or disabled persons is available. The professionally led group offers support and information about various issues through guest speakers, peer support and open meetings. There are daytime and evening meetings each month. Call 440-816-5018.
Domestic Violence Support Group
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
For women experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a spouse or significant other. The group offers support as well as information about domestic abuse and related topics. Call 216-651-8484, ext. 311
I Can Cope
Living with cancer can be one of the greatest challenges a person can face. This educational program is for people facing cancer personally or as as friend or family caregiver. It will help patients and loved ones increase their knowledge, positive attitudes and skills in a supportive environment to better manage their cancer experience. Call the American Cancer Society, 1-888-227-6446, select option 2, then 0.