People who have a traumatic brain injury experience various levels of challenge, but all can benefit from emotional support with others who share similar experiences. The families and caregivers of TBI patients also find such support helpful. Support groups for TBI have different focuses. Some focus on providing information on recovering from TBI, while others focus on promoting research and new treatment methods. Other groups focus on providing adaptive recreational activities for people with a brain injury. There are many groups devoted to recreational activities in Alabama. Recreational activities are important for the patient’s emotional and physical health.
Because support groups change or disband without notice, please call ahead before you travel to the group’s meeting place. Since each group has its own special focus it is also wise to call ahead and talk with someone about what the group offers. Check out several support groups before you decide which one is right for you.
Daphnesai
Recreational Support Group
This group focuses on recreational activities for both TBI and SCI (spinal cord injury) patients. Meetings are held at 10 am on the first Thursday of the month at Thomas Medical Center.
Contacts:
Teresa Roberts 251-246-5003
Joy Peters 251-626-6337
DeKalb County
Recreational Support Group
This group also focuses on recreational activities for TBI and SCI. The group meets alternating months on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm. Call for meeting location.
Contacts:
Sandy Kiplinger 256-498-1023
Renee Hathcox 1-800-671-6834
Dothan
Recreational Support Group
Another group devoted the recreational needs of both TBI and SCI patients. This group meets at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital at 6 pm on the second Thursday of the month.
Contact:
Terry Causey 334-983-9774
Florence
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI
This group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 6 pm. Meetings are at the Dogwood Terrace Apartments’ Community Room, 1502 Marlborough Road, Florence, Alabama.
Contact:
Debi Dean 256-383-5005
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI patients
This group puts the emphasis on recreational activities for both traumatic brain injury patients and spinal cord injury patients. The group meets at 6:30 pm on the second Thursday of the month at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, 300 Building.
Contact:
John Hicks at 256-413-8373
Hoover (in the Birmingham area)
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI patients
This group meets at 6 pm on the third Thursday of the month. Meetings are held at the Patton Ridge Apartments, 2122 Rocky Ridge Road, Hoover, Alabama. Caregivers are invited to meet in one room while patients meet in the adjoining room and plan activities.
Contact:
Pat Motley 205-594-4992 or 1-800-433-8002 or patriciamotley1@earthlink.net
Huntsville
Huntsville Support Group
This group is associated with the Alabama Head Injury Foundation and meets every month except July and August. Meetings are at 6 pm on the third Tuesday of the month at the Huntsville HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital’s Recreation Room.
Contact:
Alabama Brain Injury Foundation 1-800-433-8002 or Sandy Kip@juno.com
Mobile
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI patients
This group meets weekly. Meetings are held from 10 am to 2 pm on the first, second, and third Tuesdays of the month and on the fourth Monday. Meetings take place at the Regency Church of Christ, 501 South University Blvd., Mobile, Alabama. This sounds like a very active group. Call ahead to get an overview of their activities.
Contacts:
Lucy Haynes 251-666-2052
Teresa Roberts 251- 246-5003
Ron Haynes 251-478-2112
Montgomery
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI
This group meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery, Alabama. Call to learn this group’s specific focus.
Contact:
Holli Driver 334-290-0646
Opelika
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at noon. Meetings are held at the Achievement Center, 510 West Thomas Circle, Opelika, Alabama. The group serves the Auburn/Opelika area.
Contact:
Holli Driver 334-290-0646
Robertsdale
Recreational Support Group for TBI and SCI
Another group dedicated to both TBI and SCI. Call to get an overview of their activities. The group meets the third Thursday of the month at 10 am. Meetings are at Robertsdale Church of Christ
Contacts:
Teresa Roberts 251-246-5003
Joy Peters 251-626-6337
Wallingford
Stroke and TBI Support Group
The after effects of stroke and TBI can be similar. This group meets every month except for July and August. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month from 2- 4 pm at Emma’s Place, Wallingford, Alabama.
Contact:
Dick Marceau 747-6973
The Alabama Head Injury Foundation which serves both brain injury patients and spinal cord injury patients is a helpful source of information on all services for TBI and SCI in Alabama.
Website: http://www.ahif.org
Alabama also has comprehensive state services for people with all types of disabilities:
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL)
SAIL serves residents in all 67 counties of Alabama and provides in-home counseling, and a variety of services for the disabled and their families.
Website:
http://www.rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-and-families/independent-living-homebound-service
/Sail/Main&flash=no
For more information contact:
2129 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, AL 36116-2455
334-281-8780
800-441-7607