Please take a moment to review the SJMC Health Community Calendar. This community publication is offered bi-annually and includes relevant healthcare information on a variety of topics.
St. John Medical Center sponsors a variety of support groups for area residents who join together to face life’s many challenges.
Adult ADHD Support Group
Conducted by Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Coach Joyce Kubik
Join others with ADHD to learn how they manage daily concerns, as well as gaining a positive insight to living with ADHD. Non-ADHD spouses are welcome. Occasional guest speakers.
| second Thursday of every month | 7 - 9:00 pm |
| SJMC Community Outreach Center | 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
For further information call Joyce at 440-933-8309 or email at kubikja@bridgetosuccess.net
Child ADHD Support Group for Parents
Conducted by Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Coach Joyce Kubik
Join other parents who have children with ADHD to discuss effective ways to cope and help their children take ownership of their ADHD. Occasional guest speakers.
| fourth Thursday of every month| 7 - 9:00 pm |
| SJMC Community Outreach Center | 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
For further information call Joyce at 440-933-8309 or email at kubikja@bridgetosuccess.net
Low Vision Support Group through The Cleveland Low Vision Center
This monthly meeting is open to all patients with any type of vision loss or impairment. It is an excellent source of empathy and practical advice run by blind and visually impaired persons with the help of sighted volunteers. All are invited to share experiences, insights and the special camaraderie of those who have lost vision. Various speakers and community members are invited to present an array of topics such as safety, overall health, technology advances and more. Group discussions are encouraged to share successes and struggles.
For more information, call Sarah Pechaitis at 440-892-4200.
| first Friday of every month | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm |
| Westlake Village | 28550 Westlake Village Drive, Dover Room, Westlake |
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
Individuals with MS and their families are invited to join this group. Members share experiences
with other individuals dealing with MS who can understand and identify with them. For more information, call 440-777-8100.
| second Wednesday of every month | 7:00 pm |
| North Olmsted Senior Center | 28114 Lorain Road, North Olmsted |
Better Breathers Club
A support group for those people suffering from lung disease. Various topics chosen by
members are discussed.
| first Tuesday of every other month starting in August | 1:00 - 2:30 pm |
| SJMC Westlake Family Health Center | 26908 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake |
For more information call 440-250-2042
Over Breathers Anonymous
A bi-monthly review of breathing techniques for patients who have lung disease and anxiety problems. Individuals must have had some previous experience in attending some formal Buteyko techniques.
| third Tuesday in August and October | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | SJMC Westlake Family Health Center |
| 26908 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake |
For more information call Lynn Gorton, RRT, BBE, Buteyko Breathing Educator 440-250-2042
A Second Chance - A Transplant Support Group
This monthly group is for anyone considering or has received an organ transplant.
Family and friends are welcome.
| second Monday of every month | 6 - 8:00 pm | SJMC Westlake Family Health Center |
| 26908 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake |
For more information call 440-250-2042
Food Addicts Anonymous
Offers hope and recovery for the disease of food addiction. Support group for obesity, anorexia and bulimia.
| meets Friday evenings | 7:00 pm | SJMC | 29000 Center Ridge Road, Westlake |
| Building 2, 1st floor | Auditorium B |
| meets Sunday evenings | 6:00 pm | Auditorium A |
For more information call Kay at 440-960-5384 or Gloria at 440-327-9492
Dementia Care Support Group
Facilitated by the Alzheimer's Association
Join caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or a form of dementia to share techniques and provide support. For more information, contact Tiffany Hunt, LSW at 440-716-4264.
| first Friday of every month | 2:30 pm | North Olmsted Senior Center |
| 28114 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted |
Alzheimer Support Group
Facilitators Geri Bryan and Kathy Schreiber
Care for loved ones available.
| third Tuesday of every month | 6:30 pm |
| Avon Oaks Caring Community | 37800 French Creek Rd., Avon |
For information contact Mindi Husk at 440-934-5204 ext: 305 or the Alzheimer's Association at 216-721-8457.
Saturdays at 3:00 - Caregiver Support Group for Everyone
Facilitator: Kara Hibler, Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist
Sponsored by Westbay Rehab and Care Center and SJMC
Welcoming all caregivers of loved ones with all types of Illness. Sessions include professional speakers every 3 months on various caregiving topics. This group is centered on providing all kinds of caregivers a time to connect, talk, or just listen to others. For more information call Kara at 440-930-0431. Email kkarbin@yahoo.com
| 3:00 pm | 27601 Westchester Parkway, Westlake | Therapy Gym |
New Beginnings Facilitated by Hospice of the Western Reserve
A monthly support group for young widows and widowers (age 55 and younger). This group is open-ended and on-going.
| second Wednesday of every month | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | SJMC Community Outreach Center |
| 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
For further information contact Elizabeth Prentiss Bereavement Center at 216-486-6838
Grief Recovery Program - Moving Beyond Loss to a Richer Quality of Life
John Monnin, Chaplin - Sponsored by Crossroads Hospice & SJMC
One of the least addressed concerns in our society is grief, the normal and natural reaction to loss. The Grief Recovery Program will guide those who wish to resolve their loss issues and move beyond their grief to a richer quality of life. This program is 12 weeks long.
| Wednesdays | 12:30 - 2:00 pm | February 2 through April 20 -OR- May 4 through July 20 |
| SJMC Community Outreach Center | 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
RSVP or for questions, call John at 216-654-9300
- Sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve and SJMC
| SJMC Community Outreach | 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
Healing Arts Workshops provide grieving people with a creative outlet for their grief and are open to all grieving people. No art experience is necessary. Call Mollie Postotnik at 216-486-6544 or email her at postotnik@hospicewr.org to register no later than four days in advance of workshop date. Suggested $5.00 donation for supplies.Paint a candle to commemorate your loved one. Combining acrylic paint and painting adhesion medium, make a beautiful design on the surface of the candle itself. If you wish, you may bring your own plain white pillar candle (not in glass) or use ours. A candlelight ceremony will complete the evening.
| Tuesday, January 17 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
One of the hardest parts of losing a loved one is the inability to hold them again. Create a Snuggle Bear using fleece and/or clothing from your loved one to help you feel nearer to them. Give it to a child, grandchild or keep it for yourself. (No sewing experience necessary).
| Tuesday, February 21 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
It is well known that working with clay evokes emotion. Let your hands create a sculpture that represents how you feel. We will be using paper clay which is light, easily manipulated, and air dries.
| Tuesday, March 20 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm |
Hope Group (Breast Cancer Support Group)
A support group for newly-diagnosed breast cancer individuals and for breast cancer survivors.
| first Wednesday of every month | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | SJMC Community Outreach Center |
| 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
For questions call Joyce Forristell at 440-827-5459
Cancer Support Groups
“I Am Not Alone”
For all cancer survivors, family and friends
| second Tuesday of every month | 7 - 9:00 pm | SJMC Community Outreach Center |
| 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
“I Am Fighting Again”
For recurrent cancer survivors
| third Tuesday of every month | 7 - 9:00 pm |
Registration is necessary for the “I Am Fighting Again” group only. This group does not meet at the hospital.
For information on these cancer support groups, call Tina Hlaverty, RN at 216-476-1717
SJMC Diabetes Support Group
This is a support group for persons with diabetes and their families. Members enjoy the support, encouragement and friendship of their peers.
| third Thursday of every month | 7:30 - 9:00 pm | SJMC Westlake Family Health Center |
| 26908 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake |
For more information call DeAna Rodriguez, RN, Diabetes Educator at 440-827-5341
Westlake Center for Community Services Diabetes Support Group
| second Tuesday of every month | 11:00 am | Westlake Center for Community Services |
| 29694 Center Ridge Road, Westlake |
For information contact Sue Venick at 440-899-3544
Diabetes Support Group
Participants are encouraged to share their successes and challenges for the benefit of the group. Speakers, medical news and diet updates to support a healthy lifestyle for those dealing with diabetes will be featured. For questions, call Julia Gruss at 440-892-6240.
| second Thursday of every month | 2:00 pm | Westlake Village |
| 28550 Westlake Village Drive, Dover Room, Westlake |
New Mom's Support Group
No matter if this is your first or fifth newborn; receive the support of other new
mothers with infants. Discuss current concerns, learn stages of growth and development, community resources and interact with other mothers. Free and no registration needed.
| Every Thursday | 1:00 – 3: 00 pm | SJMC Community Outreach Center |
| 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
Breastfeeding Group
Come and meet with other moms who have experienced the joy of breastfeeding and
have all your questions answered. This group is facilitated by an international board
certified lactation consultant. Free and no registration needed.
| Every Wednesday | 10:00 am – 12: 00 pm | SJMC Community Outreach Center |
| 29160 Center Ridge Road, Suite R, Westlake |
Westlake Center for Community Services Stroke/Parkinson Support Group
For stroke survivors, family and friends.
| first Monday of every month | March through December | 1:30 pm |
| Westlake Center for Community Services | 29694 Center Ridge Road, Westlake |
For information contact Sue Venick at 440-899-3544
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