Support Groups & Classes
Cancer Support Groups
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer is a support group dedicated to meeting the emotional, physical and humanistic needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers. Meetings offer information, support and encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, family members and friends in a friendly, nonthreatening forum. Survivors discuss their experiences, coping strategies and hopes. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. at the Florida Proton Center, 2015 North Jefferson Street, 1st-floor conference room. Contact Stephanie Davis at [email protected] or Kimberley Simmons at [email protected] for more information.
Childbirth and Parenting
Childbirth Education is a monthly class offered to current UF Health patients. Classes cover pain management, labor, cesarean delivery and breastfeeding and now include tours of labor and delivery. Join us the fourth Saturday of every month from 12-3 p.m. on the third floor of the main clinical center at UF Health Jacksonville. Call (904) 244-3823 for more information.
Breastfeeding 101 Virtual Class at UF Health North offers a monthly prenatal breastfeeding class for expectant mothers and their support person. Studies show receiving education prior to birth increases success at meeting person breastfeeding goals. The two-hour virtual class are facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant, or IBCLC. Join us the second Tuesday of every month from 6–8 p.m. All classes will be held virtually via Zoom. You will need to register for this event to attend. Contact Bobbi Taman at (904) 427-3333 for more information.
Mommy Mingle is a free breastfeeding and postpartum monthly support group for new moms to learn more about the changes and challenges after childbirth. The group allows moms to connect in a safe, supportive space and share ideas for adjusting to the "new normal" that arrives alongside motherhood. Babies from two weeks old to one year are welcome to attend with their moms. This group meets every second Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the first floor of the patient tower conference room at UF Health North.
Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes Support Group is a monthly support group for patients with diabetes and their families. A place to connect with other patients with diabetes. Patients and their families can learn about diabetes self-management skills, develop problem-solving strategies and decision-making skills necessary for optimal diabetes self-care. The diabetes support group incorporate the needs, goals, and life experiences of the person with diabetes. This group meets on each month from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at 1833 Boulevard Street, Total Care Clinic, Professional Office Building (POB), 5th floor. For meeting dates, more information about this program or to register call (904) 244-8923 or email [email protected].
Neuroscience Support Groups
The ALS Association Florida Chapter offers monthly educational and support group meetings for persons with ALS and family members. The group meets the second Friday of each month from noon - 2 p.m. at the Community Hospice Hadlow Center, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257. Contact Melissa Fehrenkamp at (888) 257-1717 ext. 117.
Caregivers Support Group explores the rewards and challenges of caring for a loved one. The monthly support group for family members and caregivers of neurology patients meets virtually via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month from 12:30 - 2 p.m. Join us as we look to encourage each other, share information experiences, and provide resources to help better care for our loved ones. Contact Tiffany Sanders at (904) 244-9969 or email [email protected] for more information.
Epilepsy Support Group is a monthly support group for seizure/epilepsy patients, caregivers, and the community. The group meets virtually via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month (February through October) from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. (Use Meeting ID 959 8365 7551, Passcode: 014035. To join by phone (audio only) call (305) 224-1968) Call (904) 244-9737 or email [email protected] for more information.
Myasthenia Gravis Support Group, a monthly support group for Myasthenia Gravis patients and their families, meets on the first Saturday (every even month) from 1 - 3 p.m. at the UF Health Jacksonville Tower II, 580 West 8th St., first floor, Blue Room. For more information, call (904) 244-9922.
Parkinson Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (holiday schedules may vary) on the UF Health Jacksonville campus in the Towers, 580 West 8th St. Signs will be posted at the entrance indicating which conference room and directions. Call (904) 244-9719 for more information.
- Tai Chi classes for patients, and their caregivers with neurology conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathy are offered every Wednesday from 10 - 11 a.m. at UF Health Jacksonville. Call (904) 244-9719 for class location and additional information.
- Yoga classes are for patients and their caregivers with neurology conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathy are offered every Tuesday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at UF Health Jacksonville. For class location and more information, please call (904) 244-9719.
Stroke Busters is a monthly support group for stroke patients and their families. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month (except December) from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Tower I, 10th floor, Swisher Room. The support group will also provide a free lunch. Call (904) 244-9098 or email [email protected] for more information.
Free Stroke Education
The UF Health Comprehensive Stroke Program offers free stroke education sessions for your group or organization. Discussion topics include:
- Basic anatomy and physiology of stroke
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke
- Emergency response actions to take when a stroke is suspected
- Preventive measures and healthy lifestyle choices
Contact Jennifer Harrell at (904) 244-8515 or email [email protected] for more information.
Smoking Cessation
Big Step is a four-week smoking cessation program open to the public. Participants can enjoy yoga, relaxation and meditation as aids to smoking cessation. Sessions are $5. The program starts on the first Wednesday of each month and continues through the following three Wednesdays. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the UF Health Jacksonville ACC Building, 655 West 8th St., fourth floor, at UF Health Community and Family Medicine in Jacksonville. Call (904) 244-7837 for more information.