Society for Transplant Social Workers - Education and Support Groups

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Education and Support Groups

Education and Support Groups

The following list of support and education groups is assembled from submissions by our STSW membership.

Due to Covid-19, many of these groups have undergone changes. Many are now virtual, and some may be suspended or no longer exist. The most recent updates were submitted in April of 2021 (and marked as such). Always reach out to the contact person listed via email or telephone to check about the group’s status, particularly before going anywhere in person.

TransplantLiving.org also maintains a comprehensive list of support groups at Support groups - Transplant Living

Phoenix

Monthly LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP ON CAMPUS FOR PRE AND POST PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS.

Facilitated by

Kathy Lam MSW, LCSW
Social Worker, Lung Transplant Program
Heart Lung Institute

St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center
500 W Thomas Rd, Suite 500
Phoenix, AZ 85013
602.406.7009 phone
602.798.0298 fax
Kathy.Lam@chw.edu

Lung Transplant Support Group, CURRENTLY ON ZOOM

For lung transplant candidates and recipients, their friends, caregivers, and/or family

Meets the 3^rd Friday of the month from 11am-noon

Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix Lung Institute

755 E. McDowell Road, Conference Room, Level 1

Phoenix, AZ 85006

Facilitated by

Andrea Burkholder, MSW, LCSW

Social Worker, Heart & Lung Transplant

Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix

(520) 694-5168

andrea.burkholder@bannerhealth.com

updated April, 201

Tucson

HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

**CURRENTLY ON ZOOM**

For heart and lung transplant candidates and recipients, their friends, caregivers, and/or family

Meets the 3^rd Monday of the month from 10am-noon

Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

3838 N. Campbell Avenue, North Clinic, Classroom 10116

Tucson, AZ 85719

Facilitated by

Andrea Burkholder, MSW, LCSW

Social Worker, Heart & Lung Transplant

(520) 694-5168

andrea.burkholder@bannerhealth.com

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CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048

WEEKLY MULTI-ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP
Who: Pre- and Post- Transplant, Family and/or Caregivers
When: Every Tuesday from 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Facilitator: 310-423-6850

GRUPO DE APOYO DE TRANSPLANTE
Quien: Trasplante de pacientes y sus familiares
Cuando: Cada Jueves, de 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m..
Adonde: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Facilitator: Marshia Caceres, LCSW

WEEKLY MULTI-ORGAN RELAXATION GROUP
Who: Pre- and Post- Transplant, Family and/or Caregivers
When: Every Thursday from 2:00 pm – 3:00pm
Where: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Facilitator: 310-423-6850

LVAD SUPPORT GROUP
Who: LVAD Recipients, Candidates, Family and/or Caregivers
When: Second Wednesday of the Month from 10:30am – 12:000pm
Where: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Facilitator: Unknown (as of Apr 2021)

Keck Medical Center of USC
1500 San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
TRANSPLANT PATIENT, FAMILY & CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
1st Thursday of each month from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Marla Frankel, LCSW 323-442-9632

San Diego

Scripps Green Hospital

Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation

10666 North Torrey Pines Road

La Jolla, CA 92037

ORGAN TRANSPLANT SPEAKER SERIES

(Virtual during COVID-19)

Contact: Wendy Heit, MSW

heit.wendy@scrippshealth.org

First Wednesday of Each Month

6:00 pm- 7:00 pm

For more information please contact:

Scripps Center for Organ Transplantation

858-554-4310

Group is open to the public but geared toward liver, kidney and pancreas pre-transplant patients and their caregivers.

To join the monthly Zoom meeting go to:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84636172090?pwd=NFpVVDBQVVpzalRqVjhrTzEya2VEUT09

updated April, 2021

San Francisco

UCSF Health

505 Parnassus Ave

San Francisco, CA 94143

MONTHLY HEART TRANSPLANT/LVAD SUPPORT GROUP

Who: Pre- and Post- Heart Transplant and LVAD patients, Family and/or Caregivers

When: Every second Thurs of the month 11:00am – noon

Where: Online via Zoom, please contact facilitator at 415-353-1382

Updated August 2022

California Pacific Medical Center

1100 Van Ness Ave, Level 3,

San Francisco, CA 94109

The following groups are co lead by Annie Wilson, LCSW, and Marjorie Davis, LCSW:

CPMC Heart/LVAD Support Group

Pre- and Post-Heart Transplant and LVAD patients, family and/or caregivers

Every third Wednesday of the month from 11am-12pm PST

Available online via zoom. Please contact facilitator at 415-600-1036 for further information.

CPMC Liver Support Group

Pre- and Post-Liver Transplant patients, family and/or caregivers

Every third Thursday of the month from 10am-11am PST

Available online via zoom.. Please contact facilitator at 415-600-1036 for further information.

CPMC Autoimmune Group

Adult patients with autoimmune diseases, family and/or caregivers

Every third Wednesday of the month from 3-4pm PST

Available online via zoom.. Please contact facilitator at 415-600-1035 for further information.

Updated Jan 2024

Santa Clara

HEART TRANSPLANT / LVAD PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP

· Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
· Time: 2^nd Tuesday of the month from 12:00pm-1:30pm
· Location: Virtual, on Microsoft Teams
· For Kaiser members with heart failure or who have received an LVAD or heart transplant. Caregivers welcome.

Contact: Kristin Maslic, LCSW at 408-851-3329 or Kristin.m.maslic@kp.org

updated May 2021

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Fort Myers

· The ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP meets the first Thursday of each month at the Sanctuary, aka Lee Health Outpatient Center, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 8960 Colonial Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

· Website is www.organsupport.org and contact number is (239) 247-3073.

· Be sure to check us out on Facebook.

· Offered by the Organ Transplant Recipients of Southwest Florida

Gainesville

SHANDS ADULT LIVER TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP FOR PRE- AND POST-TRANSPLANT PATIENTS AND SUPPORT PEOPLE!

We welcome all patients, support people, family and friends to join in this support group to discuss experiences, share resources and learn from each other.
Where: Room 9433. 9th Floor Conference Room (near elevators)
When: Every Monday. 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
This is a drop-in group, no reservations required.
Kelli Walker, LCSW 352-265-0224
wakell@shands.ufl.edu

Hollywood

Memorial Transplant Institute

TRANSPLANT/VAD SUPPORT GROUP

Memorial Regional Hospital Medical Office Building

1150 N 35^th Ave, Suite#390 Hollywood FL 33021

11am 2^nd Wednesday of each month

Please contact the Total Heart Center 954-265-7750

Jacksonville

Mayo Clinic - Jacksonville

KIDNEY EDUCATION/ SUPPORT GROUP

4th Wednesday of each month: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

By invitation only. Invitation will be sent through Mayo Portal.

Zoom registration required prior to group meeting.

Contact Pat Dennis if any questions, Dennis.Patricia@mayo.edu 904-956-3292.

Updated April 2021

LIVER/KIDNEY/PANCREAS – SECOND CHANCE GROUP

Tuesday: 11:00 am to 12:00 noon

Location: Cannaday Bldg., Room 1050

Facilitator: Liver Transplant Social Worker

Directions: Between the information desk and meditation atrium. Just across from the piano.

HEART/VAD TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Location: Hospital 8-903N

Facilitator: Heart Transplant Social Worker

Directions: Eighth floor of hospital, to the right of the elevators

LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Tuesday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Location: Mayo Bldg. 2-002N

Facilitator: Lung Transplant Social Worker

Directions: Second Floor of Outpatient Mayo Bldg., right off elevator, first door on right, left into meeting room

YOUNG ADULT TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

1^st Thursday of each month: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Location: C. Vincent Stabile North Bldg., Room 153 turn left just before the elevators

Facilitator: Transplant Social Workers

Directions: C. Vincent Stabile North Bldg., turn left just before the elevators

TRANSPLANT AND CANCER CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday 11:00 am to 12:00 noon

Location: Mayo Bldg. 5-003

Facilitator: Social Worker

Directions: Fifth floor of Outpatient Mayo Bldg., right off elevator, first door on right

Nancy P. Ford, LCSW
Phone 904.956.3205
E-mail: ford.nancy@mayo.edu

Miami

MIAMI TRANSPLANT INSTITUTE SUPPORT GROUP

Open to all organs (kidney, liver, multivisceral, intestine, heart, lung, and LVAD patients) as well as all caregivers if needed.

Highland Professional Building, 7th Floor Conference Room

Location: 1801 NW 9^Th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

Date: Every 3^rd Monday of the month

Time: 2-3 PM

Contact MTI Group Support via phone or email.

Telephone: 305-355-5000

E-mail: MTI-TransplantSupportGroup@jhsmiami.org

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PIEDMONT KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Second Saturday of every month at 11:00 am

Virtual

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85391928649?pwd=Rm5ObXMvNEJ6NEszdFZqcldod1ZVUT09

Meeting ID: 853 9192 8649

Passcode: 324666

Or by phone: 1-646-931-3860

Contact person: Hannah Graves at Hannah.Graves@apexhealthinnovations.com

THE GEORGIA TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION (GTF)'s TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Third Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm

Virtual

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81994478840

Meeting ID: 819 9447 8840

Contact person: Candice Stephens at csstephens07@yahoo.com

KIDNEY LIVING SUPPORT GROUP

Third Saturday of every month at 10:00 am

Virtual

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83624872590?pwd=S3dMbkRETzZsdFM5enJYay94ckJLUT09

Meeting ID: 836 2487 2590

Passcode: 897709

Join by phone 1-646-558-8656

Contact person: Monique Jackson at kidneyliving@gmail.com

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Naperville

ORGAN TRANSPLANT SUPPORT

https://www.organtransplantsupport.org/

OTS provides education, support, mentorship, and community to transplant patients and caregivers. Monthly meetings, educational newsletter, great mentor program, and events.

Currently (Apr 2021): Both OTS and OTS Mentor Program are being held virtually. See website for more information.

Contact: P.O. Box 471, Naperville IL, 60566 Info@organtransplantsupport.org, (630)527-8640,

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INDIANA

Fort Wayne

Lutheran Hospital Transplant Center:

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR VAD/HEART TRANSPLANT, FOR PRE AND POST OP, 4th Monday of every month.

QUARTERLY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS in March, June, September and December.

Groups are generally limited to patients from Lutheran Hospital Transplant Implant Center Program. Kari Troxel, MSW, LCSW, CCTSW | Transplant Social Worker | Tel: 260-435-6273 | Fax: 260-435-7856 | ktroxel@lutheran-hosp.com

Indianapolis

ST. VINCENT

St. Vincent Ascension has three different support groups to offer for patients and supports in various phases of their care and treatment. Please note that previously these groups met together, but now each group is individual. Here are our three group options:

1. Listed Support Group: Meets the first Thursday of the month at 11AM. This group is open to patients and families currently on the waitlist for heart transplant.

2. Post-Transplant Group: Meets the second Wednesday of the month at 11AM. This group is open to patients and families that are post heart transplant.

3. VAD Group: Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 11AM. This group is for patients and families with a VAD.

`Groups meet IN-PERSON at St. Vincent House, 2031 Dugan Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260.

`Each group is facilitated by a member of our social work team, but please reach out to Kala Ragon with any additional questions or inquiries at kala.ragon@ascension.org or 317.338.9410.

Groups are generally limited to patients from the St Vincent Cardiac Transplant Center Program.

IU Methodist Hospital

IU Heart and Lung Transplant Support Group

1701 N Senate Blvd

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Contact person: Claudia McGinness

email: cmcginness64@hotmail.com

phone: +1 (317) 985-3926

Meets every 4th Monday of the month. Provides support and education throughout the organ transplant process to patients and caregivers.

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IOWA

There are some rotating support groups in the area.

Please contact Emily Mathews for details, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics,

Emily-mathews@uiowa.edu, phone 319-353-8192.

Updated April 2021

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University of Kentucky

· Monthly support group for LUNG TRANSPLANT patients, monthly support group for HEART TRANSPLANT patients, including VAD, TAH, AND OTHER MCS patients, PRE-SURGERY patients, POST-SURGERY patients, CAREGIVERS, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS all welcome!

· Schedule varies slightly from month to month; please call or email for info about upcoming meetings. Find us on Facebook! Search for “University of Kentucky Heart Transplant / VAD Support Group” and “University of Kentucky Lung Transplant Support Group”.

Contacts:

· Summer Davies, social worker for heart/lung transplant and mechanical circulatory support teams: office: 859.323.2557 email: summer.davies@uky.edu;

· Jennifer Whittaker, staff support, office: 859.323.6497 email: jmwh229@uky.edu,

· Jill Marion, staff support office: 859.218.1341 email: jcmari0@uky.edu

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Baltimore

University of Maryland

Monthly “EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUP” with a featured speaker and discussion

Participants are U of MD pre and post-transplant patients (and 1 guest) including kidney, pancreas, liver, heart, lung

Meets September through May, excluding December

Contact Univ of MD transplant social worker for information

410-328-6508 / Current contact unknown, as of April 2021

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Boston

Heart Transplant Support Group

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

185 Pilgrim Rd. (FARR 5), Boston, MA 02215

Currently held virtually (via Teams) on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 12 PM-1 PM

Please reach out to anatara2@bidmc.harvard.edu for confirmation and to receive the virtual link

Abhilasha Natarajan, LICSW | 617-632-8351

LVAD Support Group

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

185 Pilgrim Rd. (FARR 5), Boston, MA 02215

Currently held virtually (via Teams) on the fourth Tuesday of most months at 1 PM-2 PM

Please reach out to anatara2@bidmc.harvard.edu for confirmation and to receive the virtual link

Abhilasha Natarajan, LICSW | 617-632-8351

Updated September 2025

MONTHLY LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

First Wednesday of the Month at 2:00 PM by Zoom

Sarah Harre, LCSW (617-525-8142) and Samantha Pearlstein, LICSW (857-307-2840)

Updated April 2021

MONTHLY RENAL TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Currently being held virtually (via Zoom) on the third Thursday of most months at 2 PM:

https://partners.zoom.us/j/92937246763

For speaker schedule and more info, please visit:

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/surgery/transplantation/kidney-transplant/patient-support-and-education

Ashley Abreu, LICSW (617-732-7882) and Annette Pimenta, LICSW (617-732-6480)

Updated April 2021

MONTHLY LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Massachusetts General Hospital

Second Thursday of the month at 1PM

Via zoom

Contact: Anne LaFleur, alafleur@partners.org

Updated April 2021

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Royal Oak

OPEN TO KIDNEY AND LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

TRANSPLANT CONNECTION

Beaumont Multi Organ Transplant

3535 West 13 Mile Road-Suite 644

Royal Oak, MI 48073

Contact: Sophia Awan, LMSW

Phone: 248-551-1201

E-mail: Sophia.Awan@Beaumont.org

Please click here for a list of Transplant Support Groups in various cities. Note that the information and contacts for the Royal Oak group, above, are outdated on this linked list. Above information (on Beaumont Multi Organ Transplant) is currentas of April 2021.

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Minneapolis

University of Minnesota Medical Center

500 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 -Now Virtual

HEART TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Weekly on Thursdays, 12 – 1 p.m.

Natalia Carlson, LICSW 612-273-5670 ncarls13@fairview.org

Angela Herr, LICSW 612-273-5774 aherr1@fairview.org

Updated April 2021

University of Minnesota Medical Center

500 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455- Now Virtual

MCS SUPPORT GROUP

Weekly on Tuesdays 1 – 2 p.m.

Natalia Carlson, LICSW 612-273-5670

Angela Herr, LICSW 612-273-5774

Updated April 2021

M Health Fairview

LIVER TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP (PRE AND POST LIVER TRANSPLANT PATIENTS AND CARE GIVERS)

Virtually on Thursdays, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Jannae Lowe, LICSW 612-273-2570

Leah Rieke, LICSW 612-273-3165

***Please contact Jannae or Leah for more information.

Updated April 2021

University of Minnesota Medical Center

500 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

University of Minnesota Medical Center

LUNG TRANSPLANT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP - Virtual

1st Monday of the month 6 – 7 p.m.

Marget Schmidtke, LICSW 612-273-5796

Liz Herman, LICSW 612-273-4579

Please contact us for access information

Updated April 2021

University of Minnesota Medical Center

500 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP - Virtual

Weekly on Mondays 11AM - Noon

Marget Schmidtke, LICSW 612-273-5796

Liz Herman, LICSW 612-273-4579

Please contact us for access information

Updated April 2021

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St. Louis

Lung Transplant Support Group

Patients and Caregivers

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

2^nd Wednesday of the month

11:30 am-1:00 pm

We offer a variety of topics and rotate between and in-person and hybrid format.

For questions, please call 314-362-6127 / 314-747-6789

Caregiver Coffee

Caregivers of Lung Transplant patients

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

1^st and 3^rd Thursdays

11:00 am-12:00 pm in the conference room on 7400

For questions, please call 314-362-6127 / 314-747-6789

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New Brunswick

KAPS: KIDNEY AND PANCREAS SUPPORT GROUP

Main Conference Room

Transplant Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

10 Plum Street, 7th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

All pre- and post-transplant patients, and potential donors are welcome to participate, as well as their family and friends.
Augusto da Fonseca, M.S.W., LCSW
732-253-3699
Augusto.daFonseca@rwjuh.edu

Newark

LUNG TRANSPLANT MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP
For pre and post patients, Caregivers welcome
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 201 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
Room assignment and times vary
Please contact Lauren Dispinseri, LCSW for details
973-926-3178
ldispinseri@barnabashealth.org

LUNG TRANSPLANT MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP
For lung transplant recipients and their caregivers only
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center 201 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
Room assignment and times vary
Please contact Lauren Dispinseri, LCSW for details
973-926-3178
ldispinseri@barnabashealth.org

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NORTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill

UNC HOSPITALS PATIENT AND CAREGIVER LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP
Meets 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays, 1-2 p.m.
Conference call participation is available
Transplant Conference Room
UNC Center for Transplant Care
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Durham

DUKE PRE-TRANSPLANT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month

1:45pm-2:45pm

Contact: Cara NeSmith, cara.nesmith@duke.edu, 919-684-4156

Group is currently virtual

Updated November 2023

DUKE POST-TRANSPLANT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

3rd Friday each month

9am-10am

Contact: Cara NeSmith, cara.nesmith@duke.edu, 919-684-4156

Group is currently virtual

Updated November 2023

DUKE INPATIENT LUNG TRANSPLANT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

1st Friday each month

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Contact: Cara NeSmith, cara.nesmith@duke.edu, 919-684-4156

Group is currently virtual, only open to Duke patients

Updated November 2023

Greensboro

Moses Cone Hospital

MONTHLY LVAD SUPPORT GROUP FOR PATIENT AND CAREGIVERS

Third Monday of each month.

We are currently virtual on a month-to-month basis. If you would like to receive a link to the virtual meetings, please Jackie.Brennan@ConeHealth.com and she will forward the link. We will return to in person as soon as our Health Care system allows for in person meetings.

Facilitated by: Jackie Brennan, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker
Advanced Heart Failure Clinic
Moses Cone Hospital
1200 North Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Office: 336-832-2718
Cell: 336-209-6807
Fax: 336-832-9293
Jackie.Brennan@ConeHealth.com

Updated April 2021

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Fargo

Sanford Health

Kidney Transplant Support Group

Open to pre- and post-transplant patients in Sanford Health Program.

4:30 - 5:30 pm

Sanford Broadway Medical Building

1st floor conference room

736 N. Broadway

Fargo, ND 58122

Heather Osowski, LMSW, LGSW, LCSW

Transplant Social Worker

Sanford Health—Fargo

701-234-6715

heather.osowski@sanfordhealth.org

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OHIO

Cincinnati

The Christ Hospital welcomes you to our monthly LVAD SUPPORT GROUP, HEART FELT. If you are considering an LVAD, currently have a VAD or are going through heart transplant evaluation, we encourage you and your family to join us to share your experiences, meet new friends and learn something new.

When: Second Monday of every month at 11:00 AM

Where: 7 South Conference Room, Main Hospital

Contact: Gayle West, LISW 513-585-1755, gayle.west@thechristhospital.com

University of Cincinnati Medical Center

LIVER TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Meets 2^nd Wednesday of each month 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Contact Lauren Dick or Lynn Swartz for more information.

Lauren Dick LISW

513-584-4315

Lauren.Dick@UCHealth.com

Lynn Swartz LISW, CCTSW

513-584-6670

Lynn.Swartz@UCHealth.com

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OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City

The Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Integris Baptist Medical
Center 3300 NW Expressway, Concourse Level Room F, Oklahoma City, OK
HOPE TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP (ALL SOLID ORGANS. Web: www.txhpoe.org).
Meets the second Monday of every month 6:00 – 7:30, except May and December.
Open to pre- and post-transplant recipients and families.

The Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Integris Baptist Medical
Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

HEPATITIS C SUPPORT GROUP.
Meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00.
(405. 713-7440)@ Integris Baptist Medical Center
3300 NW Expressway, Concourse Level Rooms C and D, Oklahoma City, OK.

INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital / The Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Integris Baptist Medical
LVAD SUPPORT GROUP.
The group meets quarterly.
Contact Susan Shepard Vanwinkle for information (405) 949-3253
3300 NW Expressway, Concourse Level Conference Rooms D & E Oklahoma City, OK.

Tulsa

LIVER TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM
East Side Christian Church Adult Center 1427 S. Indianapolis Avenue
Tulsa, OK (918.835-0173 or 918.369-1581)

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Gift of Life Caregiver Lifeline Program - Philadelphia, PA

Virtual Transplant Support Groups

Transplant Patient Support Group
- 3^rd Monday of every month at 4:00 pm EST
Transplant Caregiver Support Group
- 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of every month at 4:00 pm EST
Pediatric Caregiver Support Group
- 3^rd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM EST

For more information and to register: https://giftoflifehowieshouse.org/upcoming-support-groups/

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RHODE ISLAND

Providence

TRANSPLANT FORUM: EDUCATIONAL SERIES / SUPPORT GROUP for
Persons of all organ transplant types at Rhode Island Hospital. Open to anyone previously transplanted or pursuing listing for transplantation or repeat transplantation.

Meetings are the first Tuesday in Oct, Nov, March, April, and May, from 6 to 7:30, at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Collis Conference Center.

Refreshments and Parking are free.

No meetings in January, July and August.

** Due to construction, contact Michael Friend at 401.444.8433 if you are interested or want more information

Facilitator: Michael Friend, LICSW, 401-444-8433, Michael.Friend@lifespan.org

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Charleston Area

TRANSPLANT TALK: A GROUP FOR SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

Join the transplant community for fellowship, and guest speakers.

Family/caregivers are welcome.

Contact group to find out if meetings are virtual or in-person.

Kay Moore 843-792-9207 mooreeu@musc.edu or Anna Bailey, baileyag@musc.edu, 843-792-9044

Facebook page: Transplant Talk SC

Updated April 2021

Columbia Area

SECOND CHANCE TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Holland Ave. Baptist Church

801 12^th Street, Cayce, SC

Steve Ford – 803-394-2364

Secondchance430@gmail.com

LVAD SUPPORT GROUP

Thursdays at 5:00 pm

Palmetto Health Richland Heart Hospital

4^th Floor- Foundations Room

Contact Lindsey Bennett / Steve Ford

Secondchance430@gmail.com

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TENNESSEE

Chattanooga

ERLANGER HOSPITAL

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Currently suspended due to pandemic – updated April, 2021

Open to recipients, donors, supportive loved ones, potential candidates, and anyone curious about the kidney transplant experience and post-transplant life are welcome to attend.

4^th Thursday evening of each month from 5:00 to 6:30

Location: Cancer Conference Room, ground floor of the Medical Mall

(Note: In November and December, we meet on an alternate Thursday)

View schedule at https://www.facebook.com/ErlangerHealth/

Questions / Information: Kathleen.Sullivan@erlanger.org or (423) 778-2174

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Austin

The Ascension Seton Heart Specialty Care and Transplant Center offers monthly support groups for both PRE/POST HEART TRANSPLANT AND MCS/VAD RECIPIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS. These groups are held on a monthly basis and for now, virtually. Please call or email for details.

Contact: Leslie Goldstein, LMSW-AP lgoldstein@ascension.org or Shay Rogillio, LCSW, CCTSW-MCS smrogillio@ascension.org at 512-681-0500, fax 512-681-0545

1301 W. 38^th St. #514, Austin, TX 78705

Updated April 2021

Dallas

Transplant Institute at Methodist Dallas Medical Center

1411 N Beckley Avenue Pavilion III Suite 268

Dallas, TX 75203

Transplant Education and Support Group – Virtual
Third Monday of Every Month

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

214-947-4400

Houston

Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center

Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI), 6411 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030

PATIENT AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP every Tuesday at 11:00 to Noon

5^th Floor Lobby

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP every Thursday at 11:00 to Noon

5^th Floor Lobby

Center for Advanced Heart Failure, 6400 Fannin, Suite 2500

WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT FOR LVAD/GASTRIC SLEEVE PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS EVERY WEDNESDAY at 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Suite 2500

CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP FOR PULMONARY AND CARDIAC ADVANCED DISEASE PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Every Thursday from 11:00 to Noon

Suite 2500

Groups facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Workers: Beth Mosele, LCSW, CCTSW-MCS, Linda Pham, LCSW, CCTSW-MCS, Kristin Malaer, LCSW, CCTSW-MCS, Stephanie Francis, CSW

If you have questions, please call (713) 704-4342(4348) (4396) (4369)

Memorial Hermann Transplant Abdominal Support Group

-For kidney, pancreas, and liver transplant recipients and their adult caregivers, pre & post-transplant

During this time of COVID-19, we are meeting virtually. Please call one of the phone numbers listed below to make sure your name/email address is in our system, so you receive the link to join us.

· First Tuesday of each month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Palmer Memorial Church:
6211 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
Information: 713-704-6803/4637/5744.

· Facilitated by Floyd Johnson, LCSW, CCTSW; Shonali Jacob, LCSW, CCTSW; and Penelope Loughhead, LCSW, CCTSW

Updated April, 2021

League City

UTMB TEXAS TRANSPLANT CENTER SUPPORT GROUP

1st Tuesday of every month in League City: 4:30PM until 6:00PM

Due to COVID-19, meetings are temporarily on hold.

LOCATION: UTMB Health – Primary and Specialty Care (Entrance A)

Victory Lakes Town Center

2660 Gulf Freeway South League City 77573

Conference Room 1.1542

Organ transplant affects a person’s body and life in many ways. Adjusting to these changes is often easier with the help of people who have similar experiences. The support group meets once a month and is open to all pre- and post-transplants, including LVAD patients. Adult family members, friends and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group is facilitated by UTMB transplant social workers. Every month, a topic of interest is suggested for discussion among participants. Guest speakers will also attend to present on key issues facing transplant patients.

· Please contact Caroline at 409-772-5753 or catrembl@utmb.edu to inquire about meeting status prior to attending.

· https://www.utmbhealth.com/support-pages/support-groups/events/2020/01/07/default-calendar/texas-transplant-center-support-group

updated April 2021

Lubbock

West Texas Transplant Support Group

Sponsored by University Medical Center and The South Plains Kidney Foundation (SPKF)

Schedule: Quarterly - the last Tuesday of the month

Time: 5:30 PM to 7 PM

Location: UMC Transplant Services

808 Joliet Ave, MOP 2, Suite 120

Lubbock, TX 79415

Contact: Amie Duemer, LMSW, Transplant Social Worker

(806) 761-0710 (UMC) or (806) 283-7357 (SPKF)

email: Amie.Duemer@umchealthsystem.com

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Falls Church

Inova Fairfax Hospital, IHVI Bldg.

3300 Gallows Rd.

Falls Church, Va. 22042

SUPPORT GROUP FOR HEART/LUNG TRANSPLANT CANDIDATES & CAREGIVERS

First Tuesday of every month from 1:00-2:00

Educational Topics regarding transplant presented with open discussion

Facilitator, Kathy Briggs, LCSW, 703-776-7076

The group meets virtually. Please email: kathy.briggs@inova.org

for a meeting invitation.

Updated April, 2021

Norfolk

TAKING HEART-HEART TRANSPLANT/LVAD SUPPORT GROUP
Sentara Heart Hospital/Sentara Norfolk General Hospital 600 Gresham Drive, Norfolk, VA 23507
Meets every second Tuesday of the Month from 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Psychoeducational group with various speakers from multiple disciplines dedicated to patients who have been transplanted or are waiting for transplant, their families, and caregivers. This group serves the entire Hampton Roads/Tidewater Section of Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
Venitta R. Johnson MSW, LCSW-LVAD, Heart, Kidney, Pancreas, and Living Donor Social Worker-(757) 388-9104-Email address: vrjohns1@sentara.com

https://facebook.com/HeartTransplantPeerSupport

Taking_Heart@aol.com

Richmond

Kidney Transplant Support Group

For all Virginia Transplant Center Post Transplant Patients

Facilitated by Elizabeth Harvell, LCSW and Pam Dowker, RD, CDCES

Post Transplant Social Worker and Dietitian

Virginia Transplant Center

1602 Skipwith Rd

Richmond, VA 23229

In the Forest Conference Room

Contact Elizabeth Harvell, LCSW with any questions (804)289-4941

Every 4h Thursday of the month at 11:00 am

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WASHINGTON

Seattle

University of Washington Medical Center

HEART TRANSPLANT PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP

Second Thursday of each month, 12:30-2:00pm PST

Zoom - email for meeting ID

Contact: Miko Mergens

206-598-6591

fm616@uw.edu

HEART TRANSPLANT CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Third Thursday of each month, 11:00am-12:30pm PST

Zoom - email for meeting ID

Contact: Christian Duke

206-598-2686

xianduke@uw.edu

LIVER TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

First Tuesday of each month, 4:00-5:00pm PST

UWMC 7SA Family Waiting Room

Contact: Stacey McCandlish

206-598-4599

smccandl@uw.edu

LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Second Tuesday of each month, 12:30-2:30pm PST

Zoom Meeting ID: 175 701 293 (no invitation required)
Contact: Angela Wagner, LICSW
206-598-2676
wagnera@u.washington.edu

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP

Zoom - email for meeting ID

Third Wednesday of each month, 10:00-11:00am PST

Contact: Bethany Zornes

206-597-3791

zorneb@uw.edu

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WASHINGTON, DC

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Transplant Institute Organ Support Group

(VIRTUAL – Currently on ZOOM)

3rd week of everyone month, unless otherwise communicated, alternating between a Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5:30-7 p.m.

Facilitated by Monica Hanza, MSW, LGSW

202-444-0439

Monica.D.Hanza@medstar.net

MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute

Adult Small Bowel Transplant Support Group

(VIRTUAL – Currently on ZOOM)

3rd Friday of every month, unless otherwise noted, from 12 to 1 pm

Facilitated by Claire Riesenberg, MSSW, LICSW

202-444-3700

claire.e.riesenberg@medstar.net

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Appleton

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
NORTH EAST TRANSPLANT SUPPORT (NETS)
Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:00pm
Linda Ourada (920.731.8845)

Marshfield

CENTRAL WISCONSIN AREA SECOND CHANCE FOR LIFE
Meets monthly, call for schedule
Leah Breu, RN (715.389.3677)

Milwaukee

3rd Wednesday of each month, 6pm-8pm
Froedert, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Conference Room E, Family Center
414.805.3666 or 800.272.3666
St. Luke’s
3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
414.646.5410

Onalaska

COULEE REGION TRANSPLANT SUPPORT GROUP
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare
Lower level conference room of Franciscan Skemp’s Onalaska Clinic, 191
Theater Road
1st Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm
608.782.2560

Viroqua

VERNON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HEART CENTERSUPPORT GROUP
3rd Wednesday of each month, 1-3pm
608.637.4497

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To add your support group to this page, please email help@stsw.org with the listing in a format as seen above.

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