UofL Health – Stroke is dedicated to providing education, support and encouragement to people who have had a stroke and their family members through stroke support groups. These support groups are welcome to anyone affected by stroke and allow attendees to learn how others are coping. One of our stroke support group members, Alex, spoke about her experience with the group. “I had a stroke when I was young and now as an adult, I still have to deal with effects from it. The reason I joined this group is because being around other people that have experienced what I have makes it easier to understand what I have went through.”
“When attendees of our support groups share experiences and strengths, they often feel empowered while helping others feel like they are not alone while facing their challenges,” said Carrie Crockett, MSSW, CSW who leads support groups for UofL Health – UofL Hospital – Comprehensive Stroke Center. “Often, it is through sharing that participants can give hope to each other,” said Cassy Couey, stroke emergency management systems and community outreach coordinator.
Our stroke program is especially proud to be a part of The Friendly Folks Stroke Support Group based at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. This support group is the longest-running stroke support group in Kentucky with over 36 years. Support groups are also offered across the city in Louisville and in Campbellsville and Jasper, Ind. “Our support groups in Campbellsville and Jasper have allowed us to continue helping stroke patients that have been referred to us. I have been told many times by participants how appreciative they are that we have been able to be there for them close to home as they adjust to life after their stroke,” said Crockett.
The support groups are held once a month. During COVID-19 restrictions many of our groups are being held virtually but as entities are opened and more gatherings are allowed, our support groups will meet in person.
Stroke care does not end when you leave the hospital. Many stroke survivors and their caregivers experience a range of emotions as they adjust back to normal daily activities. Join us in one of our free support groups where you can enjoy talking openly with others who share similar experiences. “If you take a rope and it is made of two strands, it’s strong when twisted together and when you add a third or more in there it’s hard to break. This group is hard to break; we are stronger through this group with each other. Each of us are a piece of a rope that gets added and it’s impossible to break us apart,” said stroke support group member, Candy.
Our Stroke Survivor/Caregiver Support Groups are listed below.
UofL Health – Stroke Support Groups:
Online Stroke Support Group:
Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month
6-7 p.m.
In-person Stroke Support Groups will resume as COVID-19 restrictions allow:
- UofL Health – UofL Hospital
Meets the third Friday of each month
Crescent Hill Library
2762 Frankfort Ave, Louisville KY 40206
12-2 p.m.
Contact: Carrie Crockett, CSW at 502-645-5425
- UofL Health – Stroke Support Group – Campbellsville
Meets the first Friday of each month
Taylor Co. Public Library
1316 E. Broadway Street Campbellsville, KY 42718
1-3 p.m.
Contact: Carrie Crockett, CSW at 502-645-5425
- UofL Health and Jasper Memorial Hospital Stroke Survivor/Caregiver Support Group
Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month
Medical Art Conference Room
721 W. 13 Street, Jasper IN 47546
1-3 p.m.
Contacts: Mary Jo Eaton Calhoun, BSN, RN Telemedicine Services 812-996-6364
Brandi Beck, RN, Neuroscience Nurse Coordinator: 812-996-5912
Carrie Crockett, CSW Social Worker 502-645-5425
- Mary and Elizabeth Hospital Friendly Folks Stroke Club Support Group
Meets the second Wednesday of each month
Mary and Elizabeth Hospital
12-2 p.m.
For more information call 502-361-6585
