Learning to cope with a spinal cord injury may be the biggest challenge ever faced by an SCI patient and his or her family. It is good to know that you are not alone in such a difficult situation. SCI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends with people undergoing similar challenges and also offer the opportunity to learn more about SCI and how to deal with it.
Different SCI groups have different focuses. For example, some groups focus on helping people recently injured cope with their altered lifestyle, while other groups focus on providing recreational activities for people with SCI. If you have the opportunity, investigate several SCI groups before deciding which you want to join. Some people may find that they benefit from belonging to more than one group.
We have endeavored to make the following list of SCI groups in Idaho as complete as possible. Since there are few SCI Support Groups in Idaho, you might consider a group in a neighboring state. Because support groups change or disband without notice, please call ahead to get the group’s latest information before you make a trip to their meeting place.
If you cannot find an SCI group in your area, you may want to consider establishing one. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association offers helpful information on starting your own support group: https://unitedspinal.org/ The Idaho State Independent Living Council is also source helpful information: http://www.silc.idaho.gov/
Idaho Falls
Paralysis Support Group
This group welcomes people experiencing paralysis from SCI and other conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s and so on. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. The meetings include a potluck dinner, a speaker, and a time for fellowship and fun.
Meeting place:
AdvoCare of South-Eastern Idaho
25th Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Phone: (208) 745-6575
Contacts:
Karin Fry
Pierre Savkranz
208-529-0231