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 Rhode Island is as complete as we could make it; the majority of groups are in neighboring Massachusetts. Support groups may change or disband without notice; 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 Greater Boston Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association can give you more information on starting your own support group: http://www.sciboston.com/support.htm
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Spinal Cord Injury Information/Support Group
This group meets the third Wednesday of every other month from 6:30-8:00 pm.
Meeting Place:
Southern New England Rehab. Center Gymnasium
21 Peace St.
Providence, RI
401-456-4517
Contact:
Matt Sullivan 401-725-1966
Boston, Massachusetts
BMC Support/Discussion Group Meeting
(Held in conjunction with the Stepping Forward, Staying Informed Lecture Series)
This group offers speakers on various topics of interest to people with SCI. Lectures are often held in conjunction with a dinner. Please call for information on future events.
Meeting Place:
Boston University School of Medicine
Room L-1403, next to the Heibert Lounge
72 East Concord Street, 14th Floor
(one block from the main entrance of BMC)
Contact:
Judi Zazula 617-638-7314
E-mail: judi.zazula@BMC.org
Spaulding Support/Discussion Group Meeting
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm in the 9th floor gym.
Meeting Place:
Spaulding Rehab Hospital
125 Nashua St, Boston, MA 02114
For information contact the Spaulding Office at 617-573-2081
Spaulding Caregiver Support/Discussion Group Meeting
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm on the 8th floor, Room 8A .
Meeting Place:
Spaulding Rehab Hospital
125 Nashua St
Boston, MA 02114
For information contact the Spaulding Office at 617-573-2081
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield Support Group Meeting
This group meets the last Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Meeting Place:
Mercy Hospital
271 Carew St.
Springfield, MA
For information contact Sharon at 413-748-6892
Westborough
Whittier Westborough Support Group Meeting
This group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5:00 pm.
Meeting Place:
Whittier Rehab Hospital in Westborough
150 Flanders Road
Westborough MA 01581
Contact:
Lynn 508-871-2000 x2165
Woburn
Woburn Support/Discussion Group Meeting
This group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Please RSVP for the Woburn Support Group no later than 2 pm on the day of the meeting. 781-933-8666
Meeting Place:
New England Rehab Hospital in Woburn
2 Rehabilitation Way
Woburn, MA 01801