Fall/Winter 2009 - 2010

Support/Self-Help/ Awareness Groups

Provided by Department of COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES

  

A NEW DIRECTION IN LIFE AFTER BRAIN INJURY

 

Meeting Day:	Second Tuesday of each month (No meetings in June, July and August)
Time:	7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Building, Classrooms 1 & 2
Contact:	Debi Murphy                                                (215) 481-3627

Live, learn, laugh and hope. This support group helps to provide an opportunity for persons with brain injury and caregivers to meet with others who may share the same needs and experiences. Registration is required.

  

A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, and Keeping Energetic) AWARENESS GROUP

Meeting Day:	Third Tuesday of each month (except December)
Time:	7:30 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Ground Floor West, Classrooms A and B
Contact:	Scott McMaster                                             (215) 481-2376

This health awareness group is for sleep apnea patients. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder. If you are experiencing episodes or have been told that you stop breathing during the night - this group is for you. Family and friends are welcome to attend. Reservations recommended.

  

ABINGTON AREA NURSING MOTHERS 

Meeting Day:	Call for dates/times/location/information
Contact:	Jessica Hess                                                    (215) 346-2112
	Marlene Schultz                                                (215) 659-2107
	Helpline                                                           (215) 572-8044

This group provides free education and support for breast-feeding mothers through monthly meetings and telephone counseling. Morning and evening sessions are available.

ABINGTON INSTITUTE FOR METABOLIC & BARIATRIC SURGERY  WEIGHT LOSS CENTER SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Third Tuesday of each month
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Frobese Conference Center, Auditorium
Contact:	Paula Beam, RN                                             (215) 441-6800

This support group is for anyone who is investigating, scheduled for, or had surgery for weight loss. Offers education and guest speakers on topics of interest to patients who are pre- and post-operative Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Duodenal Switch after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding. Attendance is mandatory for patients who are pre-operative surgery and frequent post-operative attendance is recommended for continued success. Registration is not required.

ABINGTON INSULIN INFUSION PUMP CLUB 

Meeting Day:	Please call for information
Contact:	Abington Diabetes Center                                      (215) 672-0899

A support group for persons using or considering an insulin infusion pump to manage their diabetes. Open to family members and people interested in insulin pump therapy.

ABINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL'S CANCER HELPLINE

Contact:

1-800-405-HELP

AMH's Cancer Helpline provides information about cancer, its diagnosis and treatment and eferrals to community cancer resources. This is a free and confidential service.

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS 

Meeting Day:	Every Sunday morning
Time:	11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Pavilion Grille, Rooms P and G
Contact:	Brian                                                                  (215) 281-9045

A fellowship of men and women based on a 12 step program of recovery, this is a program intended for adults who are affected by growing up in a home affected by alcoholism, or by any other dysfunction.

AL-ANON MEETINGS  

Meeting Day:	Every Tuesday evening
Time:	8:00 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, Solarium, 2nd floor
Contact:	Lois                                                             (215) 674-5282

Meeting Day:	Every Sunday evening
Time:	7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Pavilion Grille, Rooms P and G
Contact:	Al-Anon Information Services of the Delaware Valley               (215) 222-5244

This is a fellowship of people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or close friend.

ALATEEN

Meeting Day:	Every Sunday evening
Time:	7 - 8 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Pavilion Grille, Doctor's Dining Room
Contact:	Julie                                                             (215) 885-0985

This is a fellowship of young people (approximately 12 to 18 years old) whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or close friend.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) JOURNEYS   

Meeting Day:	Every Monday evening
Time:	6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Widener Building, Beardwood Classroom
Contact:	Steve F.                                                         (215) 572-8912

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a group of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION/WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Meeting Day:	Every Thursday evening
Time:	5:15 - 6:45 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Ground Floor West, Classrooms A and B
Contact:	Jeana Nowak                                                        (215) 659-0697
	Nick Rosa                     (Please call after 4:00 p.m.)  (215) 783-6727

This is an Abington satellite of the Trevose Behavior Modification Program, which is a self-help support system for weight loss.  Pre-registration is required.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP   

Meeting Day:	Spring Session: Tuesdays, March 16 - May 4
Time:	6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Pastoral Care conference room
Contact:	Beth Feldman, (215) 481-2700

Support/educational group for those who have had a significant loss in the last year.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Third Tuesday of January, February, May, June, July, August, September and December
Time:	6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Pastoral Care conference room
Contact:	Beth Feldman, (215) 481-2700

A less intensive group to "check in" between the Spring and Fall Bereavement Support Group sessions.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP  

Meeting Day:	Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month
Time:	5:00 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Rosenfeld Cancer Center, Gribbel Conference Room
Contact:	Betty Cummings                                           (215) 481-3191

This is a self-help group for breast cancer patients and provides coping techniques through sharing of ideas and experiences.

BRIGHT PERSPECTIVES SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Every Monday evening
Time:	7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, solarium, main building, 2nd floor
Contact:	(215) 428-0404

This group is a support group for people with depression and/or bipolar disorder. The group provides friendship, support and information in a positive, confidential environment.

BUILDING THE FAMILY  

Meeting Day:	Second Monday of each month
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Ground Floor West, Classrooms A and B
Contact:	Jane McCarthy                                              (215) 659-7088

This group provides support and education for young parents. Babies and children are welcome.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month
Time:	6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Widener Building, Ground Floor, Radiation Oncology reception area
Contact:	Mary Oleksiak                                               (215) 481-2579

This group provides support for cancer patients and their families.  Pre-registration is required.

CARDIAC SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Third Monday of each month
Time:	11 a.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 162
Contact:	Cardiac Rehabilitation                                   (215) 481-5903

This group provides support for individuals or family members of those with heart disease. Pre-registration is required.

CAREGIVER'S SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Third Monday of each month
Time:	1 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 162
Contact:	Sarah Maus                                                   (215) 481-3160

This group is open to those who are providing care to a relative or friend with any chronic illness. Registration is required.

CELIAC SPRUE (GLUTEN INTOLERANCE) SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Friday, March 19 and October 22
Time:	5:45 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion- Rooms P & G, 1 & 2 and Auditorium
Contact:	Karen Dalrymple                                           (215) 757-1233 Donna Sawka                                                         (215) 943-2028

This self-help group is for individuals who cannot digest the gluten of some grain foods.  Information, a newsletter and support in following a gluten-free diet are available.

DEALING WITH MEMORY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Second Wednesday of each month
Time:	3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, Main Meeting Room
Contact:	Kathy Rovine                                                            (215) 441-6888 Rita Leinheiser                                                          (215) 481-7534

The group offers those with early dementia and their family members an opportunity to discuss feelings, concerns, and questions with their peers and with speakers on topics related to dementia and memory loss.  Those with dementia and family members meet separately during each session, enabling all to express themselves openly.

DIABETES CONTINUING EDUCATION GROUP/SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Second Wednesday of each month (except June, July and August)
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center-Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 251
Contact:	Diabetes Center of AMH                               (215) 672-0899 Alison Dryer                                                    (215) 672-4985

This group provides on-going support and education to individuals with diabetes and their family members.

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP- WARMINSTER CAMPUS

Meeting Day:	Third Thursday of each month
Time:	10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, Main Meeting Room
Contact:	Diabetes Center of AMH                               (215) 672-0899 Lynn Sinclair                                                    (215) 672-4076

This group addresses the concerns of individuals with diabetes and their family members.

DIET CHAT NETWORK SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Every Tuesday
Time:	5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, Solarium, 2nd Floor
Contact:	Bruce Daroff                                                         (267) 994-7870

Join a support group whose mission is to help you lose weight and improve your health. Here you will get the support of others who are on the same journey of losing weight. For more information: http://www.thedietchatnetwork.com/

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Call for dates/times/locations
Contact:	Domestic Violence Social Worker                            (215) 481-2576 Emergencies (24-Hour Hotline)                              (800) 773-2424

A weekly woman's support group providing emotional support and guidance in developing assertiveness and stronger self-esteem. The group provides an opportunity for women to sort out feelings in a safe and confidential setting. Facilitated by a domestic violence social worker.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Every Monday evening
Time:	6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, solarium, main building, 2nd floor
Contact:	(215) 428-0404

This group is a twelve step self-help group for people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse and/or addiction. The primary purpose is to maintain mental and emotional well-being. People are invited to join and begin or continue their mental, physical and spiritual recovery.

FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE/HEALTH MINISTRIES SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Call for dates and times
Location:	Sunrise Independent & Assisted Living, Brownstone Building, 1801 Susquehanna Road, Abington (Beginning on 11/30/09, this group will be meeting at AHC- Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, Suite 251)
Contact:	Marilyn Harris                                               (215) 481-5996

A time for continuing education and sharing concerns related to health ministry in a congregational setting.

FOCUS ON MOTHERHOOD 

Meeting Day:	Wednesdays, February 17 - May 5, 2010
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Ground Floor West, Classrooms A and B
Contact:	Child, Home & Community                                     (215) 348-9770

A comprehensive prenatal program for pregnant adolescents, other at-risk young women, fathers-to-be and their families.  Pre-registration is required.

HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Mondays, March 1- April 19
Time:	2 - 3:30 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 163
Contact:	Carmela S. McDowell                                    (215) 481-5749

 

Meeting Day:	Tuesdays, March 2- April 20
Time:	2 - 3:30 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 162
Contact:	Carmela S. McDowell                                    (215) 481-5749

This is an eight-week bereavement program. The program is designed to help participants understand the grieving process and learn ways of coping. Pre-registration is required.

HUMAN MOTION INSTITUTE BACK SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Second Wednesday of each month (except Jan, Feb, July and Aug)
Time:	7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, 2 Lenfest
Contact:	June Weise                                                   (215) 481-8969 Jayne Walko                                                 (215) 957-6047

The Abington Back Support Group provides information, support and encouragement to those who are suffering from chronic back pain and are willing to help themselves.  Family and friends are welcome.

KIDNEY TALK 

Meeting Day:	Third Thursday of each month
Time:	6 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Bldg, Ground Flr East Conf Rm  (light supper served)
Contact:	Chaplain Eric Holmstrom                                                  (215) 481-6021

This monthly group provides education and emotional support to help patients, families and caregivers to better understand and deal with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis.

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Second Wednesday of each month
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 163
Contact:	Ellen Wagenheim                                                   (215) 517-5070 Lupus Foundation of Southeastern Pennsylvania

This group is designed to teach coping mechanisms to decrease stress and to improve quality of life. Strategies for enhancing communication will also be taught. Meetings are open to family and friends.

MAN TO MAN NETWORKING GROUP FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER 

Meeting Day:	Second Wednesday of each month
Time:	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Rosenfeld Cancer Center, Gribbel Conference Room
Contact:	Meredith Kessler                                           (215) 481-2715

This networking group, co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and AMH, is for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It is designed to provide education, support and encouragement.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ADVISORY OUTREACH

Contact:

Elinor Adler                                                  (215) 657-3762

Offering emotional support and information for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP 

Meeting Day:	First Saturday of each month
Time:	8 - 9:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Pavilion Grille, Rooms P & G
Contact:	Information                                                  (215) 576-5526

This group offers help and support to those affected by a loved one's addiction.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Meeting Day:	Every Friday evening
Time:	7 - 9:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Widener Building, basement level, Beardwood Auditorium
Contact:	Steve M.                                                                (215) 947-9633 Jeff O.                                                                  (215) 635-1058

 

Meeting Day:	Every Saturday evening
Time:	8 - 9:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Widener Building, basement level, Beardwood Classroom
Contact:	Tony C.                                                                 (215) 887-5936 Narcotics Anonymous Hotline                        (215) NA-WORKS

These are twelve-step programs that provide educational, emotional and social support for any individual experiencing problems with addiction. The programs enable those individuals who wish to live drug free to do so.

NEW DIRECTIONS SUPPORT GROUP

(For people with depression, bipolar disorder and their loved ones)

Meeting Day:	First, Third & Fifth Tuesday of each month
Time:	7:30 - 9:45 p.m.
Location:	Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington
Contact:	Ruth Deming                                                          (215) 659-2366 Ada Fleisher                                                           (215) 659-2366

A support and education group for people with mood disorders (depression and bipolar) and their families. For more information: http://www.newdirectionssupport.org/

NURSING MOTHERS ADVISORY COUNCIL HOTLINE

Contact:

Tina H.                                                         (215) 572-8044

This Hotline provides breastfeeding advice and referrals for nursing mothers.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	Second Tuesdays of February, April, June, October and December
Time:	3 - 5 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center-Schilling Campus, Pennwood Bldg, 2nd Floor West
Contact:	Pat Cohen                                                             (215) 481-5800 Carol Jensen                                                          (215) 481-5800

A support group that provides a forum for ostomates to meet, exchange information, develop friendships and support each other through their shared concerns.

O.U.R. STROKE CLUB 

Meeting Day:	Second Thursday of each month
Time:	1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center-Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 163
Contact:	Debbie Teasdale/Debi Murphy                      (215) 481-5775

A support and educational group for stroke survivors of all ages and those who care for them. Registration is required.

PET PALLIATIVE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	First Wednesday of each month
Time:	7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center-Schilling Campus, Willowood Bldg, Ste 163
Contact:	Ann McGlenaghan                                         (215) 481- PETS

This self-help group will offer a caring, understanding and supportive environment to pet owners and the AMH community who are providing palliative care to their aging, chronically or terminally ill pet companion.

POST-POLIO SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP 

Meeting Day:	Third Sunday of March, April, May, June, September, October and November
Time:	1:30 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Lenfest Pavilion, Pavilion Grille, Rooms P and G
Contact:	Judy Young                                                  (215) 822-6342 Don Forte                                                    (215) 364-1642

Self-help group for persons once afflicted with polio and are now experiencing loss of muscle strength, shortness of breath and other symptoms.

P.U.P.S. (People Understanding Parkinson's Disease)

Meeting Day:	Fourth Tuesday of each month (No meeting in December)
Time:	1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location:	Sunrise Independent & Assisted Living Brownstone Building, 1801 Susquehanna Road, Abington
Contact:	Lorna                                                           (215) 542-2931 Tobe                                                           (215) 635-8833

This is a self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or early dealing with the early stages of Parkinson's disease. It provides opportunities for exploring and expressing issues of concern, sharing experiences and feelings, and learning coping techniques and strategies.

SAFE HARBOR  (A Program for Grieving Children, Teens and Families) 

Meeting Day:	Every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Time:	6:30 - 8 p.m.
Location:	Abington Health Center - Schilling Campus, Pennwood Bldg, 4th flr
Contact:	Debbie Teasdale                                           (215) 481-5983 Donna Young                                                         (215) 481-5983

This grief support group is for children, teens and families who have lost a loved one through death.   Children ages four through eighteen are assigned to age appropriate groups.  A young adult group (ages 19 to 30) is also available. Parents are provided with necessary tools to understand and assist their grieving children. Pre-registration is required.

SAFE HARBOR: HEALING AFTER A SUICIDE  (Grieving the Death of a Loved One as a Result of Suicide)

Meeting Day:	Call for dates/times
Location:	Abington Health Center - Schilling Campus, Pennwood Bldg, 4th flr
Contact:	Debbie Teasdale                                           (215) 481-5983 Donna Young                                                         (215) 481-5983

This grief support group is for children, teens and families who have lost a loved one due to suicide.   Children ages four through eighteen are assigned to age appropriate groups. Parents are provided with support as well as necessary tools to understand and assist their grieving children. Pre-registration is required.

SHARING INFANT LOSS 

Meeting Day:	Third Thursday of each month
Time:	7:00 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, Suite 201
Contact:	Beth Feldman                                                          (215) 481-2700

This support group is to serve those whose lives have been touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first few months of life.

WELL SPOUSE SUPPORT GROUP

Meeting Day:	First Wednesday of each month
Time:	7 - 9 p.m.
Location:	AMH, Dixon Building, 2nd floor, Women's Board Conference Room
Contact:	Mike Brown                                                   (267) 625-7507

This support group is for the well spouses of chronically ill and/or disabled persons. It provides support and information on coping and crisis situations.

All support, self-help and awareness groups at AMH are free of charge unless otherwise indicated. AMH makes its facilities available for the programs identified above as a community service.  AMH and its related organizations, their officers, trustees, and employees have no responsibility or liability for the content, presentation or activities of any of these programs, or for the conduct, abilities or qualifications of such programs' staff, leaders or participants.                                                                                                                                                                      

  

PARKING INFORMATION

Valet Service:

During the day, parking is available for a modest fee through the valet service at:

• The Lenfest Pavilion (Main) entrance on Keith Road
• The Widener Building entrance on Horace Avenue
• The Highland Building entrance on Highland Avenue

Self-Parking is available for a modest fee in:

• The Zipley Garage located at the hospital's main entrance (Lenfest Pavilion). Enter garage from Keith Road.
• The York Road Garage located near the Widener Building entrance. Enter garage from Route 611 (parking available after 5:00 p.m. only).
• The Woodland Garage- enter garage from Highland Avenue
• Lots 7 and 8 next to the Dixon Building on Horace Avenue

Parking is always free at our other Abington Health campuses. These include: AHC- Schilling Campus, AHC- Warminster Campus and Lansdale Hospital. In addition, there is also free parking at GIANT Super Food Store.

For further information, please call Community Health Services at (215) 481-2204.

  

  

DIRECTIONS TO SUPPORT GROUP LOCATIONS

Abington Memorial Hospital, 1200 Old York Road, Abington

From Center City Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport, take Route 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) west to Route 1 North (Roosevelt Expressway). Take Broad Street exit, and turn left at second light (Broad Street). Continue north on Broad Street, bear right onto Old York Road (past 66th Avenue). Follow Old York Road (Route 611) for approximately five miles. Abington Memorial Hospital is on the left. Turn left at Keith Road; the main entrance with valet parking is on the right after coming to the end of the driveway.

Abington Health Center- Schilling Campus, Willow Grove (Blairwood, Northwood, Pennwood, and Willowood Buildings)

This campus is located one half-mile from Route 611. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take exit 343. Go north (towards Doylestown) on Route 611 and turn left at Blair Mill Road. The entrance to the center is on the left. Or, go south on Route 611 (toward Abington) and immediately turn right on Maryland Road. The entrance to the center is on your right.

Abington Health Center- Warminster Campus, 225 Newtown Road, Warminster

Take Street Road (Route 132) east from Warminster to Newtown Road. There is a gas station on the left and Craven Hall on the right. Turn right onto Newtown Road. The AMHC- Warminster Campus is one-half mile down Newtown Road on the left.

Giant Super Food Store, 315 York Road, Willow Grove

From Abington Memorial Hospital: Start out going north on Old York Road (Route 611 North) toward Keith Road. Continue to follow Route 611 North. Turn slight right onto York Road (Route 263 North). The Giant Super Food Store will be on your right.

Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington

From Abington Memorial Hospital: Start out going southwest on Old York Road (Route 611) toward Horace Avenue. After the intersection of Susquehanna Road and Old York Road, the church is on your right.

Sunrise Independent & Assisted Living, Brownstone Building, 1801 Susquehanna Road, Abington

From Abington Memorial Hospital: Start out going south on Old York Road (Route 611) Turn left onto Susquehanna Road. Sunrise will be on your left.

For further information, please call Community Health Services at (215) 481-2204 or visit our website: www.amh.org.

Revised: December 11, 2009