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. Some groups are dedicated to a special segment of the SCI population like women, men, or the Spanish-speaking. The following list of SCI support groups in Arizona 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 may want to consider starting one of your own. The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association offers helpful information about starting your own support group. Their website is: http://www.azspinal.org/index.aspx
Flagstaff
Flagstaff Support Group
This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 2 to3:30 p.m. –
Contact:
Al White 928-779-4147
Glendale
West Valley VOICE Support Group
VOICE is dedicated to giving people with disabilities a voice as citizens and consumers. The group invites anyone living with a disability to come their meetings; family, caregivers, friends, and medical professionals are also welcome. Two different meeting sites in the Glendale area have sometimes been used by VOICE, so be sure to call and get the current schedule and location.
Meeting place:
Foothills Branch Public Library
19055 N. 57th Ave.
Glendale, Arizona
Contact:
Janene Werner 602-814-9717
Phoenix
SCI Women Support Group
This group especially for women with SCI meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please call for details.
Meeting place:
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center (in the Sandstone Conference Room)
1111 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Contact:
Jill Greenlee Sclease, CTRS 480-363-5880
Men’s Disability Discussion Group
This group especially for men with any form of physical disability meets on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Meeting place:
Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix
5025 E Washington St #110
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-507-4209
Contact:
Don Price 602-980-3232
Fax: 602-507-4214
Toll-free: 888-889-2185
info@azspinal.org
SCI and TBI Support Group for Spanish Speakers (Grupo del apoyo en Español)
This group meets on the second Saturday of each month and also has special events throughout the year. El grupo de apoyo en Español para personas que tienen trauma cerebral y lesion a la columna. Este grupo hace actividades de diversion y actividades educaciónal. Cada segundo sabado del mes. Por favor de llamarme si usted quiere atender: Diane 602-943-1012
Adonde:
Gentiva Rehab Without Walls®
7227 N 16th St #107
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Prescott
Northern Arizona SCI Support Group
This group meets on the second Thursday of each month at
5:00 p.m. Call for details.
Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation in Prescott
3700 N Windsong Dr
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314-1253
Contact:
Jo Crawford 928-759-8800
Scottsdale
COMPASS Support Group—East Valley Support Group
COMPASS offers support and recreational activities to people with any physical disability. COMPASS has recently started to work with the VOICE group. Meetings on the third Friday of the month from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Please call for more details.
Meeting place:
Granite Reef Senior Center
1700 N. Granite Reef
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
Contact:
Pauline Staples 602-241-1006