Support Groups at Maria Parham
Breastfeeding Classes
Breastfeeding Classes are offered free of charge at Maria Parham thanks to a grant from Smart Start. These classes allow for mother and dad/support person to learn the basics of breastfeeding and prepare them to be able to overcome challenges faced while breastfeeding. Please call Jackie Ross at (252) 436-1414 for dates and locations of classes.
CARES Support Group
CARES is a support group for those unpaid caregivers who provide care and support to family or friends as they cope with illness, disease or disability. CARES stands for Caregivers Allied for Resources, Education & Support. For more info, please contact Hope Breedlove at (252) 436-1605.
Four County Better Breathers Club
The Four County Better Breathers Club is for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other lung diseases and their families. The Club offers patient-focused, community-based educational opportunities and support to people with breathing difficulties. The group meets every other month (meeting space permitting) at Noon in the hospital’s Classroom. Contact Teri Spence at (252) 436-1573 or Erin McIntyre at (252) 436-1570 for more info.
Kerr Lake Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group
The Kerr Lake Brain Injury Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Center for Rehab. Conference Room. Those with a TBI and their family members are invited to come. Call Ms. Pat Dickerson at (252) 438-5511 with questions or for more information.
LAC (Loss of a Child) Support Group
LAC (Loss of a Child) Support Group has been established by the Abria’s Chase Foundation, Inc. for parents who have lost children. The group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 6-7 PM at Maria Parham Medical Center. The LAC Support Group treats grief as a process, provides a listening ear, and shares words of encouragement; people who have suffered such loss should embrace each other in the knowledge that they are not alone. This service is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in participating should contact Ayana Lewis at (252) 767-6696.
Lake Area Amputee Support Group
The Lake Area Amputee Support Group is open to amputees, families and friends. Subject matter
includes inspirational stories, topics of interest for amputees, and support network info. The group meets the last Tuesday of each month at 3:30pm in the MPMC Classroom. For more info, contact Nick LaRaia at (252) 436-1606.
Pre-Op Orthopedic Rehab Class
A Pre-Op Orthopedic Rehab Class is offered to patients needing Joint Replacement, BEFORE the Surgery. Offered by Rehabilitation Services at MPMC, this class covers the surgical procedure and before/after therapy, equipment and exercise needs. It is open to anyone having shoulder, knee or hip replacement surgery, even if you are having it at another hospital. It is taught by licensed physical & occupational therapists and meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the MPMC Classroom. For more info, contact Ben Soydan at (252) 436-1235.
Stroke Support Group
The Maria Parham Stroke Support Group follows the National Stroke Association Discovery Circles program. By using Discovery Circles, Stroke Survivors work toward individualized goal setting, self-help, and self-discovery. The group experience helps members explore the mind/body connection and the important role psychosocial factors play in stroke rehabilitation/recovery. Stroke survivors, families, friends and caregivers are invited. The group meets on the last Wednesday of the month from 3:00pm - 4:30pm in the Center for Rehab Conference Room. For more info, contact Liz Karan at (252) 436-1604.
The Women's Cancer Support Group
The Women’s Cancer Support Group is open to women with a cancer diagnosis. Each session offers a supportive, educational approach to assist participants with coping and survivorship. Caregivers are welcome. The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm in the MPMC Classroom. For more information, please contact Hope Breedlove at (252) 436-1605.