Community

UConn Health is committed to providing a place for individuals to share common concerns, emotional support, as well as to exchange information.

Community Programs

Support Groups and Classes

UConn Health offers a full range of seminars, classes, and support groups to help you manage your health.

Baby Steps Bereavement Support Group

This group is led by a family who has experienced loss, along with nursing staff from Connecticut Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

First Tuesday of each month; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capital Avenue, Hartford
Contact 860-982-2516 or www.maciegracefoundation.org.

Bladder Cancer Support Group

BCAN.org is a great resource and with the absence of in person meetings, the group has been passing along valuable information. Interested patients can contact Guy or Jean via email at BCANFarmington@gmail.com and they will send you info on meetings and resources.

Brain Aneurysm Support Group

In partnership with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, UConn Health now offers an educational setting to provide support for patients and survivors of brain aneurysms, as well as caregivers, family and friends. Attendees will discuss recovery topics and learn about helpful resources, all in an environment to foster reassurance and personal exchange.

Fourth Thursday of each month; 3 to 4 p.m.
Outpatient Pavilion, 6th Floor Large Conference Room, UConn Health
Contact Kristen Vavrek, M.S.W., LCSW, at 860-679-3224 or vavrek@uchc.edu and Diana Fritzson at dfrity@gmail.com.

Breast Cancer Support Group

This group is intended for patients under the age of 50 who have been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer.

Third Thursday of each month via Zoom; 7 to 8 p.m.
For more information or to register, email evwong@uchc.edu.

Breastfeeding Support Group

UConn Health offers a breastfeeding support group for breastfeeding moms and their babies who are looking for additional breastfeeding assistance and a community support network. The group is an informal drop-in support group facilitated by our certified lactation consultant.

Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month; 1 to 3 p.m.
OB/GYN Conference Room, Labor and Delivery, Connecticut Tower, Ground Floor, UConn Health
Contact Marisa Merlo at mmerlo@uchc.edu with any questions.

Hepatitis C Support Group

Second Wednesday of each month; 7 to 9 p.m.
Room EG052, UConn Health
Contact Marty Thayer at 860-628-9750 or contact@cchcgroup.org.

Huntington’s Disease Caregiver Support Group

Second Tuesday of each month; 6 to 7:30 p.m.
UConn Health
Registration is required. Call 860-679-4441 for more information or to register.

Lupus Support Group

Third Wednesday of each month; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Exchange, 270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 362, Farmington
Visit www.lupus.org or call Nancy Belfiore at 860-269-6240, or nbelfiore@lupusct.org.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group

First Thursday of each month via Webex; 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Interested patients can email Christie Fiori, LCSW, at fiori@uchc.edu or call 860-418-7644 for more information or to register.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Please join us for our monthly MS Support Group. This group is open to anyone with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. You may attend in person or virtually. Light snacks will be provided and parking will be validated.

Last Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd Floor East Conference Room S3301, UConn Health
Contact Laura at lmoehringer@uchc.edu for more information or to register.

Near Death and Related Experiences Support Group

Free and open to the public.
Contact Jack Lardis at 203-510-5465.

NICU Parent Support Group

Monthly; 6 to 7 p.m.
Neonatal Conference Room, Ground Floor, UConn Health
Contact Deb Feigenbaum, M.S.W., LCSW, at 860-679-2377 for next meeting date.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

The UConn Health Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center hosts a monthly support group facilitated by Kristen Vavrek, LCSW. The group meets to exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect with one another about life with Parkinson’s disease. Attendees include people with Parkinson’s disease, family members, caregivers, and friends. The group is open to anyone affected by Parkinson’s disease, not only patients of UConn Health.

First Thursday of each month; 2 to 3 p.m.
The Brain and Spine Institute, 5 Munson Road, Farmington and virtual
For more information or to receive a login link, contact Karen Mendoza, at 860-679-3257 or parkinsons@uchc.edu.

Resolve Infertility Peer Support Group

RESOLVE is a national nonprofit, charitable organization that offers referral, counseling and support groups to people with problems of infertility and education and assistance to associated professionals.

Third Thursday of each month; 7 p.m.
Call 781-890-2250 or visit www.resolvenewengland.org for more information.

Sjögren’s Syndrome Support Group

Four times a year: March, May, September, November; 1 to 3 p.m.
Onyiuke Dining Room (Main Floor near the Food Court), UConn Health
Contact MaryBeth Walter at 860-569-6933.

Spasmodic Dysphonia Support Group

Two times a year, in the spring and fall.
Onyiuke Dining Room (Main Floor near the Food Court), UConn Health
Contact Laura Joseph at 860-739-0542.

Stroke Survivor Group

UConn Health’s Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families, and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss issues surrounding life after having a stroke.

Discussion Topics

  • Stroke Prevention
  • Coping Methods
  • Support Systems
  • Rehab Tips
  • Resources
  • Promoting Independence

Fourth Wednesday of each month.
Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd Floor, Large Conference Room, UConn Health
Contact Jennifer Sposito, B.S.N., R.N., UConn Health Stroke Center Coordinator, 860-679-4846.