lean on me

In times of distress, it can be comforting to surround yourself with others who can truly relate and understand what you’re going through.

By Laurel Gillum

The following support groups o ered in Marion County strive to strengthen the community through positive experiences and advice from others who find themselves in similar situations.

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group

When: Third Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Center

This is a support group for patients considering weight loss surgery. Discussions in this group include how to prepare for surgery, the nursing care to expect before and after surgery, how to prevent complications, what to expect during recovery, plus first-hand experiences from peers who have already completed the process. Receive advice from patients who have experienced the very things you have concerns regarding. Post-surgery, the group provides guidelines and encouragement though stage two of surgery. To register, call (352) 667-8181 or (352) 671-2099

Diabetes Education & Support Group

When: First Wednesday of each month from 1-2pm

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center in 6 South Conference Room

This educational support group provides patients the opportunity to take note of tips and techniques—including blood monitoring, glucose management, medications, gestational diabetes, exercise, stress control, nutrition and meal planning—that help others manage both their insulin pump and non-insulin pump diabetes. To register, call (352) 667-8181 or email healthresourceline@mrhs.org.

Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

When: Third Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Center

The Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, in a liation with the non-profit Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of South Florida, is for individuals who have been a ected by spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy or brain damage. These individuals will be properly educated, encouraged and build close, positive friendships with those in similar circumstances. To register, call (352) 671-2080 and press option 1 to confirm meeting location.

Suicide Bereavement: C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N-S

When: For information on dates and times, call Pastoral Care at (352) 402-5280

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center

This is a support group for persons bereaved by suicide. Sit alongside others sharing in the sudden loss of a loved one. To register, call (352) 402-5280.

Stroke Club of Marion County

When: Second Monday of each month from 1-3pm

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center in the Auxiliary Conference Center

At this support group sponsored by the Munroe Regional Neuroscience Center, friends and families of patients who have had a stroke can meet to comfort one another. To register, call (352) 867-8181 or (352) 291-8777.

The Stroke Club of Marion County’s Aphasia Group

When: Every Monday from 12-1pm

Where: Munroe Regional Medical Center’s LifeTime Center

Munroe Regional Neuroscience Center’s Stroke to how others were able to recover from a devastating loss and how bereavement care may help you find new hope. To register, call (352) 873-7456.

Domestic Violence Support Group

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12pm

Where: Ocala/Marion County

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center

This is a support group for physically, mentally and verbally abused women. The meeting from judgment. To register, call (352) 620-8822.

Women’s Cancer Support Program

When: First Wednesday of each month from 6-7pm

Where: Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute

This support group is for women who are facing woman’s cancers, including breast and cervical cancer, and the women who have survived it. To register, call (352) 7320277.

Club also o ers an aphasia support group. Aphasia is a language disorder that a ects a person’s ability to communicate. To register, email amyhurt@mrhs.org.

Bereavement and Grief Support Group

When: For information on dates and times, call The Monarch Center at (352) 873-7456

Where: The Monarch Center for Hope & Healing

This support group by Hospice of Marion County o ers both group and individual sessions to aid in the grief process after the loss of a friend or family member. Listen is a safe haven for women who need empathy, care and concern. To register, call (352) 620-8822.

Sexual Assault Support Group

When: Every Wednesday from 6-8pm

Where: Ocala/Marion County

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center

This is a support group for women to help them recover from the traumatic e ects of sexual assault. Self-confidence and self-esteem are highly valued at these meetings, as well as peer mentoring free

District 17

When: Last Thursday of each month at 6:45pm Where: Unity Place

Alcoholics Anonymous support group by Intergroup District 17, Inc. is a group that meets together to combat the addictive e ects of alcoholism. In this meeting, address concerns and solutions with peers who are also struggling with substance use or abuse problems. The group is hosted by a trained social worker. To register, call (352) 867-0660 or email aaocalaintergroup@ gmail.com.

Piccin & Glynn is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm with roots in Ocala since 1974. It is recognized as a Preeminent Law Firm with the highest rating for legal abilities, conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

John Piccin graduated from Villanova University and The University of Michigan Law School. His daughter, Katherine (Katie) Glynn, graduated from Eckerd College and St. Thomas University School of Law.

John and Katie handle all types of crashes— motor vehicle, trucking, motorcycle, bicycle, boating and aircraft. Other practice areas include medical and professional malpractice, product and premises liability and insurance disputes, particularly insurance company “bad faith.”