A spinal cord injury can be overwhelming to the patient and his or her entire family. Having emotional support is important for both new SCI patients and those who have been living with the condition for awhile. Learning new information about SCI is also important. SCI support groups offer patients and their families emotional support, information, and much more. For example, many SCI groups dedicate themselves to offering adaptive recreational activities for SCI patients.
Each SCI support group has its own special focus, so it is important to check out several before deciding which one is appropriate for you. The following list of SCI support groups in Missouri is as complete as we could make it; you will notice that some groups have more information available than others. In addition, support groups may change or disband without notice, so we urge you to call the groups you are interested in before making a trip to their meeting place.
If you cannot find a support group in your area, you might want to consider starting your own group. The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association can give you helpful information on starting your own support group:
Greater Kansas City SCIA5701 West 110th St
Overland Park, Missouri, 66211
Phone: (913) 491-5667
Contact:
Linda Klaiber at Linda.Klaiber@healthsouth.com
Springfield
Southwest Center for Independent Living SCI Support Group
Please call or e-mail for more information.
Address:
Southwest Center for Independent Living
2864 S. Nettleson Ave.
Springfield, Missouri, 65807
Phone: (417) 886-1188
Web site: www.swcil.org
Contact:
Marion Trimble
St. John’s Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Cancer Center. The group also has a luncheon on the third Wednesday of the month at the Golden Corral, S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome, bring your families. This is a time to get to know each other better.
Meeting place:
St. John’s Cancer Center
1235 E. Cherokee, Springfield, Missouri, 65804
Phone: (417) 820-3157
Contact:
Laura Flowers at Laura.flowers@mercy.net
St. Louis area
The Spinal Cord Support Network
This group meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. The Spinal Cord Support Network is a support group for people affected by spinal cord injuries – current patients, past patients, families, and friends. It is a time to get together and talk, network, learn, and share experiences. Quarterly activities such as socials, dinner meetings and parties are also planned. Call for more information or e-mail Keith Duckworth.
Meeting place:
St. John’s Mercy Rehab Hospital
(Rm. 210—Community Room, second floor)
14561 North Outer Forty Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Phone: (314) 881-4000
Contact:
Keith Duckworth at Kduckworth@centerrehc.com