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.
We have attempted to make this list of New York SCI support groups as complete as possible. If you cannot find a support group in your area, you may wish to consider starting your own. The Greater New York Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association would be happy to help you start one.
New York City
The Greater New York Chapter, NSCIA
The Greater New York Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NYCSCIA) holds its monthly membership meeting and support group on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Rehab Center. The meetings are held in KCC-2 (Klingenstein Pavilion, 2nd floor) in the Community Dining Room.
Meeting place
Mount Sinai Rehab Center
1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1240
New York, New York, 10029
Contact:
James Cesario or John Moynihan 212-659-9369 E-mail: nycspinal@nycspinal.org
Fax: (212) 348-5901
Spinal Tumor Support Group
This group meets every Friday from 1:20 to 2:50 p.m. Call for address and more information.
Meeting place:
Upper West Side, NYC
Contact:
Deborah Lamberti, A.C.S.W. 212- 223-7148
E-mail: supportgroup@neurosource.org
Rochester
Greater Rochester Area Chapter, NSCIA
Call or e-mail for details on the chapter’s activities.
Address:
Greater Rochester Area Chapter, NSCIA
P.O. Box 20516
Rochester, New York, 14602
Contact:
Karen Genett 585-275-6097 E-mail: rochesternscia@yahoo.com
Amy Scaramuzzino 585-275-6347 E-mail: ascaramu@frontiernet.net
Syracuse
Spinal Cord Injury Network of Central New York
This group does not meet on a regular basis, please call for information.
Meeting place:
ARISE
635 James Street
Syracuse, New York, 13203
Contacts:
Tammy Bartoszek 315-464-2337
E-mail: bartoszt@upstate.edu
Maria Froio 315-247-0927
E-mail: scin4cny@yahoo.com
West Haverstraw
Helen Hayes Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
United Spinal Association sponsors a monthly support group for patients and individuals in the community who have a spinal cord injury. Meetings are held the last Monday of the month from 12:30 to1:30 p.m. in the first floor therapy room.
Note: The hospital’s website gives the SCI Support Group times as every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. Please call to get the exact dates.
Meeting place:
Helen Hayes Hospital
Route 9W
West Haverstraw, New York, 10993
Contact: 845-786-4148