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Rehab support groups open to all

Clubs and groups offer support for patients and families

The UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital team of health care professionals provides intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for people with physical and neurological problems. Once a patient is discharged, they or their family may need additional support — and that’s where the numerous clubs and groups listed below can help.

BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP

Fourth Thursday of every other month at 6 p.m.

Please call 352-627-0154 to confirm the meeting location.

People recovering from a brain injury can find support at this meeting, which focuses on recreational activities as well as other recovery methods.

APHASIA GAINESVILLE BOOK CLUB

Every other Wednesday at 5 p.m. UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital, 4101 NW 89th Blvd.

Please join us if you have aphasia (difficulty with language) due to brain injury or stroke, and are interested in participating in a book club made for you!

For more information, contact Kerry Lenius at klenius@phhp.ufl.edu or 352-279-6554 or Meghan Hollen at hollm@shands.ufl.edu or 352-265-5491, ext. 70143.

GATOR AMPS SUPPORT GROUP

First Tuesday of every month from 6-8 p.m.

UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital Therapy Gym, 4101 NW 89th Blvd.

The goal of this group is to build a community of amputees who can support one another, learn from each other and share stories and tips. Events and topics vary month to month.

Visit the private “Gator Amps” Facebook page (enter Gator Amps in the Facebook search engine) and send a friend request, or visit amputee-coalition.org and click on “Find Support Near You.”

Are you a new amputee? Ask about our Peer Mentor Program.

Please contact Becky Piazza at piazzr@shands.ufl.edu or Andrea Gilbert at gilban@shands.ufl.edu for more information.

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 4-5 p.m. Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th St.

This group welcomes anyone who has had a stroke, as well as family, friends and care providers. Please contact Jenny Amsinger at amsinj@shands.ufl.edu for more information.

SPINAL CORD INJURY SOCIAL NETWORKING GROUP

First Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Gator’s Dockside, 3842 W. Newberry Road, #1A

People recovering from a spinal cord injury find support and socialize at this monthly meeting. For more information, please call 352-627-0154.

UF HEALTH SHANDS REHAB YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT GROUP

Second Tuesday of each month from 5:15-6:45 p.m.

Panera Bread, 6017 W. Newberry Road

The UF Health Shands Rehab Young Adult Support Group (ages 16-29) provides a relaxed environment that allows young people and adolescents with medical illnesses or injuries to interact with others their age who have gone through similar situations.

For more information, contact Nicole Ferrier at ferrin@shands.ufl.edu or 352-265-5491.

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APHASIA GAINESVILLE BOOK CLUB, BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP, GATOR AMPS SUPPORT GROUP, News&Notes, REHAB SUPPORT GROUPS, SPINAL CORD INJURY SOCIAL NETWORKING GROUP, STROKE SUPPORT GROUP, Support group, UF Health, UF Health Shands, UF HEALTH SHANDS REHAB YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT GROUP

About the Author

Photo of Leah Harms

Leah Harms — UF Health Communications, Marketing Coordinator

Leah Harms joined the UF Health Communications team in early 2016 and serves as a marketing coordinator for multiple service lines within UF Health, including orthopaedics and sports medicine, women’s health, dermatology, the Shands Rehab Hospital, ElderCare, Senior Care, the Institute on Aging, rehab centers, hearing and speech and the fitness and wellness center.

Leah grew up in Port Orange and migrated to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, where she received a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with a minor in Family, Youth & Community Sciences. During her studies she interned for UF Health and Florida Hospital Orlando.

After graduating from UF, Leah served as a marketing coordinator and marketing representative at Florida Hospital Medical Group, the medical group for the seven central Florida, Florida Hospital’s. Here she developed and implemented strategic communications plans for more than 20 clinics.

Leah has returned to Gainesville to work at UF Health and is a member of the Red Shoe Society and the local chapter of FPRA.

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Clubs and groups offer support for patients and families