A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event for both the patient and his or her entire family. New SCI patients and those who have been living with the condition for awhile can all benefit from emotional support. In addition, there is so much to learn about SCI and self-care that even patients who have been living with SCI for years can learn new methods and helpful tips. SCI support groups offer patients and their families emotional support, information, and much more.
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. For example, many SCI groups dedicate themselves to offering adaptive recreational activities for SCI patients. The following list of SCI support groups in Connecticut 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 National Spinal Cord Injury Association Connecticut Chapter can provide helpful information on starting your own support group: http://www.sciact.org/
Hartford
Spinal Cord Injury Information Group
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Call for the schedule of activities and topics.
Meeting place:
Rehabilitation Hospital of CT
Hartford, CT.
Contact:
Paige McCullough-Casciano 860-714-2421
New Britain
Round Table Support Group
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Meeting place:
Hospital for Special Care
New Britain, CT.
Contact:
Dr. Tim Bellivue 860-827-1958
Wallingford
Spinal Cord Injury Information Group
This group meets on the second Monday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. The group is sponsored by the NSCIA-CT. Chapter in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Meeting place:
Gaylord Hospital
Gaylord Farm Road
P.O. Box 400
Wallingford, CT 06492
Contact: Erin Prastine at 203-284-2875
Spinal Cord Support Group
This group also meets at Gaylord Hospital, in the Lyman 2 Solarium. It is open to the community. Please call to for the schedule
Contact: Nursing Station, 203-284-2815 ext. 2859
National Spinal Cord Injury Association-Connecticut Chapter Board Meeting
The Chapter Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Meeting place:
Brooker Lecture Hall
Gaylord Hospital
Gaylord Farm Road
P.O. Box 400
Wallingford, CT 06492
Contact: Jeff Dion, (860) 889-1028
Please call to attend
SCI Support Group
This group meets on the second Monday of the month from 5-7 p.m.
Meeting place:
Roncari Hall
Gaylord Hospital
Gaylord Farm Road
P.O. Box 400
Wallingford, CT 06492
Contact:
Erin Prastine, 203-284-2875
Kristi Plourde, 203-284-2875