Traumatic brain injury affects different people in different degrees, but everyone with TBI experiences similar emotions. Dealing with TBI is challenging for both the patient and his or her family, but sharing your experiences with people who have had similar experiences can help. TBI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends and learn more about TBI.
Different TBI support groups have different focuses, so check out several, if possible, to see which one best meets your needs. Some TBI support groups emphasize learning about TBI, while others emphasize offering adaptive recreational opportunities for TBI patients. Some groups have meetings for patients and separate meetings for caregivers and family members, while others invite any one interested in TBI to the same meeting.
We have tried to make the following list as complete as possible. Since support groups change or disband without warning we advise you to call before traveling to the group’s meeting place for the first time. If you cannot find a group in your area, you may wish to start one. Information about starting your own TBI support group can be obtained from the Brain Injury Alliance of South Dakota: http://www.braininjurysd.org/
For information about brain injury resources in South Dakota, you may also contact the Brain Injury Association of America’s National Family HelpLine at 800-444-6443 orbraininjuryinfo@biausa.org
Aberdeen
AberdeenArea Brain Injury Support Group
This group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30pm.
Meeting Place:
Rehabilitation Center on the fourth floor
Avera St. Luke’s Hospital
305 South State Street
Aberdeen, South Dakota
Contact:
Ron Hoops 605-395-6655
Aberdeen, Chamberlain, Edgemont, Mobridge, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, and Watertown.
Parent Support Group for Students with Learning/School Difficulties
These groups are sponsored by the SD Parent Connection/USD Center for Disabilities. Support groups meetings area held the second Thursday of the month, September through May, from 6:30-8pm CT/5:30-7pm MT. This free support group is available at the following DDN sites:Aberdeen, Chamberlain, Edgemont, Mobridge, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, and Watertown.
Contacts:
SD Parent Connection at 605-361-3171, 1-800-640-4553 E-mail: sdpc@sdparent.org USD Center for Disabilities at 605-357-1472 E-mail mmaltave@usd.edu.
Rapid City
Brain Injury Support Group of the Black Hills
This group meets from 6:15-8pm on the second Tuesday of every month. The group is open to individuals with brain injury, their families/caregivers, and professionals.
Meeting Place:
Community Transitions in the Conference Room, Rapid City
803 Soo San Drive
Rapid City, SD 57702
Contact:
Ron Sasso 605-718-8446 E-mail: rsasso@bhws.comor
Black Hills Veterans Administration Support / Training Group
For veterans with brain injury.
Contact:
605-718-1095 for more information.
Rapid City Stroke Support Group
For stroke survivors. This group meets the first Saturday of every month at Regional Rehabilitation Institute.
Meeting Place:
Regional Rehabilitation Institute
2908 Fifth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Contact:
Judy Donahue 605-484-2260 for more information.
Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Area Brain Injury Support Group
This groupmeets the second Saturday of every month, September through May, from 1-2:45 pm. The support group provides a confidential environment where persons with brain injury and their families can share accomplishments and struggles and find others who understand.
Meeting Place:
The Center for Active Generations
2300 W.46th Street.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Contact:
Karen Brokenleg 605-275-8309
Deb Lichty 605-322-5066
Melissa Suter (605) 333-4571
Yankton
Yankton Family Support Group
This group is open to families of children with any disability or special need. Call for more information
Contact:
Lance Corbit (cell) 402-369-2395.