Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness, the loss of a loved one or want to improve your overall health and well-being, a support group could be a crucial stepping stone on your path to healing. A support network is an excellent way to connect with people in similar situations. They provide a safe environment and an opportunity for people to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns while providing encouragement and comfort to others who share a common purpose or experience.
Many support groups help fill the gap between medical treatment and emotional support, acting as a bridge between medical and emotional needs. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many support groups have decided to go virtual in hopes of continuing the healing process while keeping all participants safe and healthy in a time of uncertainty. Despite the inability to meet in person, there are many added benefits to meeting virtually, including:
- Frequent and/or flexible participation
- More opportunities for those without local support groups
- Reduction of fear, stress, loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety
- Access to information regarding health, economic and/or social resources
We pulled together a current list of virtual support groups, listed in alphabetical order, being offered across the Parkview Health system. We hope these opportunities can provide the support needed during these unprecedented times.
A Better Tomorrow: Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support Group
Description: Parkview Whitley Family Birthing Center is providing much-needed support for new parents dealing with postpartum depression. This support group offers a peer counselor setting by trained registered nurses to discuss and explore emotions in a safe, non-threatening environment. Nurses trained by Postpartum Support International (PSI) offer support to new parents experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum. This support group will further discuss, explore and identify ways to cope and hopefully overcome these mental health issues.
Details: The Better Tomorrow Support Group has transitioned to a virtual format and currently meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Contact: For more information or to join the group, please contact Sarah Wolfe, RN, BSN at 260-248-9427 or Alainna Martin RN, BSN at 260-248-9426.
Brain Injury Support Group
Description: Support is more important than ever in this time of social distancing. Connecting socially with others can help us all feel less alone. The Brain Injury Support Group focuses on enriching people's lives affected by brain injury through education, group discussions and problem-solving to address everyday challenges.
Details: The Brain Injury Support Group meets virtually from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.
Contact: For more information or to participate in the group, please contact Kristin Smith, OTR at 260-452-4943 or Kristin.Smith@parkview.com.
Healing Hearts Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group (Parkview Regional Medical Center)
Description: The grief that comes from losing a child at any stage is highly emotional and very personal. If you or a loved one has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or death after birth, this support group may help with the healing process.
Details: The Parkview Regional Medical Center group meets virtually from 6:30–8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month to support families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
Contact: For more information, please contact the Chaplaincy Department at 260-266-1470 or Cori McKenzie, MCH Bereavement Coordinator at 260-210-0323.
Healing Hearts Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group (Parkview Hospital Randallia)
Description: The grief that comes from losing a child at any stage is highly emotional and very personal. If you or a loved one has experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or death after birth, this support group may help with the healing process.
Details: The Parkview Hospital Randallia group meets virtually from 6:30–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month to support families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss.
Contact: For more information, please contact the Chaplaincy Department at 260-266-1470 or Cori McKenzie, MCH Bereavement Coordinator at 260-210-0323.
Her Heart Support Network
Description: The Her Heart Support Network is for women who have survived a heart-related event or who currently have heart disease. This support network allows women to learn from one another and trained heart health advocates while connecting with individuals who share similar experiences.
Details: The Her Heart Support Network connects virtually from 6–8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month to support women who wish to learn more about living with heart disease.
Contact: For more information or to join the network, please contact the Her Heart coordinator, Jill Zahm, MSN, RN, AHN-BC at 260-266-2444, via email jill.zahm@parkview.com or on the group Facebook page.
Mom Connections
Description: Join a registered nurse and lactation specialist as she facilitates the Mom Connections support group for new mothers. New moms can talk with a knowledgeable RN from Parkview Huntington Hospital's Family Birthing Center regarding any questions about infant care, breastfeeding or other motherhood related topics. Participants can also meet other new moms going through the same experiences while having open, informative discussions.
Details: Mom Connections meets virtually every Wednesday from 10–11 a.m. to support the needs of new mothers.
Contact: For more information or to participate in the support group, please contact Angie Swanson, BSN, RN, IBCLC at 260-355-3640 or use the meeting link: meet.google.com/koo-sxvu-xyq
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Support Group
Description: Individuals with a diagnosis of POTS or Dysautonomia are invited to participate in this monthly support group to help manage their symptoms and meet their health goals.
Details: Participants of the POTS support group connect virtually from 6:30–7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.
Contact: For more information or to join the support group, please contact Carolyn Moeller via email at POTS_support@parkview.com or call 260-266-2553.
Powered by Plants: A Community Meet-up (Allen County)
Description: Find support and inspiration in a relaxed setting with a group of like-minded people on a journey toward whole food plant-based eating. Join Kristin Gerhardstein, MD, PPG – Family Medicine, and Kathy Wehrle, RDN, outreach dietitian, as they lead the conversation on how to succeed with a plant-based diet. The group's goal is to help participants feel more comfortable during their lifestyle change and plant-based journey.
Details: Powered by Plants is currently meeting virtually, and registration is required to join the group. Once registered, all participants will be emailed a link or login information before class begins.
Contact: For more information or to register, please call the Parkview Center for Healthy Living at 260-266-6500 or toll-free 844-835-0003.
Powered by Plants: A Community Meet-up (Kosciusko County)
Description: Find support and inspiration in a relaxed setting with a group of like-minded people on a journey toward whole food plant-based eating. Join Gary Pitts, MD, PPG – Family Medicine, and Kathy Wehrle, RDN, outreach dietitian, as they lead the conversation on how to succeed with a plant-based diet. The group's goal is to help participants feel more comfortable during their lifestyle change and plant-based journey.
Details: Powered by Plants is currently meeting virtually, and registration is required to join the group. Once registered, all participants will be emailed a link or login information before class begins.
Contact: For more information or to register, please call the Parkview Center for Healthy Living at 260-266-6500 or toll-free 844-835-0003.
Pregnancy After Loss Support
Description: When a pregnancy ends with a loss, it is a difficult time of mourning and healing for everyone. Then, as another pregnancy begins, thoughts and emotions may feel completely different than before. Parents might need more or additional support than they did previously.
Details: Currently, the Pregnancy After Loss Support group meets once a month via a virtual platform to support families who are pregnant again after a previous loss.
Contact: For more information, please contact the Chaplaincy Department at 266-1470 or Cori McKenzie, MCH Bereavement Coordinator at 260-210-0323.
Understanding Your Grief
Description: Grief often causes people to isolate themselves, which is why connecting with others is more important than ever, especially for those coping with loss. This program allows participants to meet with individuals experiencing loss from a severe illness or a loved one's death.
Details: This year, the Parkview Hospice bereavement team has decided to switch to a virtual platform. Understanding Your Grief will be offered twice a year with the next session beginning mid-January, meeting once a week for ten weeks to support individuals and families who have lost a loved one.
Contact: If you have questions or wish to participate in the Understanding Your Grief virtual support group, please email Cathy.Petrie@parkview.com or call 260-373-9800 or 800-363-9977.
