Support groups and resources
If you’re coping with a chronic disease — or caring for someone who is — support groups are often the one place where others truly understand what you are experiencing.The Gerlinger Support Group Room at the Salem Health CHEC provides a comfortable setting for people to gather and share information in groups devoted to everything from cancer support to mental health.
Support groups can provide friendship, compassion, care-giving tips, new ideas — and hope. They also bridge you to local support and resources.
Learn more from the links below. If you can't find the kind of group you're looking for, call the CHEC at 503-814-2432. We'd be happy to help you look for resources.
Support groups located at the CHEC
Aphasia community support group
Learn about stroke and aphasia and meet others with aphasia. Group meets every Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor).
For more information, contact Theresa Robinette at 503-371-3948 or robinette867@comcast.net.
BlindSkills
Blindskills is a local nonprofit offering resources and support to our blind/visually impaired community, along with their families and friends. Low Vision Life Skills meets the 3rd Friday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m. (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor). We have guest speakers and various topics of discussion, such as the relation of sight loss to balance, and light-your best friend/your worst enemy. There is no cost for this support group, and facilitators are also living with sight loss.
For more information contact Blindskills at 503-581-4224 and visit blindskills.com.
Capital Pride: Queer Craft Meetup
Salem Capital Pride provides a safe space and invites you to come craft with members of the LGBtQIA+ community. This group meets on the 4th Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor), to get our craft on! Hang out and make friends while expressing your creativity. All types of crafts are welcome if they are safe to do indoors. Contact info@salemcaptalpride.org if you have any questions. For more information visit Salem Capital Pride.
Hematologic (Blood) Cancer Support Group
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm-7:30pm (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor).
A peer-facilitated group for people with hematologic (blood) cancer and their care partners. For more information please contact group facilitator, Bob at OLP@wvi.com. Cancer support groups and education are available.
Please visit the Salem Health Cancer Center website or call 503-814-1449 for more support group information.
Power On with Limb Loss
A support group for amputees, those with limb loss, or limb difference and people with physical challenges. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor).
If interested, please contact facilitator Paula Free at paula@poweronwithlimbloss.org. For more information, visit poweronwithlimbloss.org.
Pregnancy Loss Grief Circles
Pregnancy Loss Grief Circles provide a compassionate space to honor your grief, share your story, and connect with others who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, or infant loss. Through guided meditations, grief rituals, and community support, creating a space for healing and remembrance. Join them on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor) to find comfort, understanding, and a place where your loss is acknowledged, and your love endures. Offered in partnership by Compass Perinatal Peer Support, facilitated by Ashley Rose (Ashley Rose Doula) and Samantha (Silver Falls Family Support). For more information visit Doula Synergy or email info@doulasynergy.com.
Support groups by topic and other resources
For more information about bariatric services, call 503-561-5286 or visit our website.
GreySheeters Anonymous
GreySheeters Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from compulsive overeating. For more information call Rose Daily at 541-936-4742 and check out greysheet.org.
Overeaters Anonymous
You are not alone. The only requirement is a desire to stop eating compulsively. OA does not weigh members, sign them up, or monitor their eating habits in any way. OA members experience many different patterns of food behaviors with a variety of members who may be extremely overweight, average weight, and underweight. For more information contact Christina at xabeth@comcast.net and visit oregon-oa.org.
Arthritis
For more information on arthritis management visit arthritis.org.
Breast Friends*
Support for those in the Salem community affected by breast cancer. An opportunity to connect with each other and share experiences.
Gynecologic Cancer Support Group*
For women who have experienced radiation, chemotherapy or surgical treatment for gynecologic cancers. This support group meets virtually and in-person. If interested, join the private Facebook Group: “NWTeal Warriors”.
Hematologic (Blood) Cancer Support Group
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor, Support Group Room, 939 Oak St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
A peer-facilitated group for people with hematologic (blood) cancer and their care partners. For more information please contact group facilitator, Bob at OLP@wvi.com. Cancer support groups and education are available.
Knit Well Support Group*
This support group is a unique way to cope with the stress of cancer and other life obstacles. Join the group to knit, crochet, and share. All are welcome and group members are willing to teach.
Ostomy Support Group*
Join a supportive community where you can share experiences, offer encouragement and learn together in a safe and welcoming space. Helpful tips and resources for ostomy care and support from others who understand the journey.
Prostate Cancer Support Group*
Meet other men living with prostate cancer, ask questions, and receive support. Partners are encouraged to attend.
Women’s Advanced Cancer Support Group*
Support for women living with advanced (stage IV) cancer. Meet others facing a similar diagnosis and share everyday challenges. This group meets virtually and in-person.
*Please contact Salem Health Cancer Support Services at 503-814-1449 or visit Salem Health Cancer Center website, for virtual links and more details about current meetings.
Family Caregiver Connection
NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) offers free caregiver support groups and classes for unpaid family caregivers, both in-person and virtually. The groups and classes provide valuable information, resources and support related to caregiving. Please join other caregivers in learning about how to positively cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one.
To learn more about the Family Caregiver Support Program, please visit this link.
To register for support groups or classes, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-304-3420 or 866-206-4799 – or by email: information.nwsds@nwsds.org.
Relatives as Parents NWSDS
If you want to learn more about NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) Relatives as Parents Program, please visit the Aging and Disability Resource Connection or call 503-304-3420 – or email: information.nwsds@nwsds.org.
Salem Hospital has dietitians who can help people with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1, Type 2 or prediabetes. We also offer classes and support groups.
A physician’s referral is required for diabetes education services. We can help by calling your physician for you. Your insurance may cover diabetes education services; contact your insurance company for details. Get started on education by calling scheduling at 503-814-6990.
Adult Children Anonymous
Also known as Adult Children of Alcoholics. A 12-step program for women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. For more information call Donna Best at 503-949-0039, or visit adultchildren.org.
Al Anon Family Group
Friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support at Al-Anon Family meetings. Call the District Office at 503-370-7363 (please leave a message), email info@salemareaalanon.org or visit salemareaalanon.org.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome. Visit sober.com/find-a-meeting to find a meeting near you.
Narcotics Anonymous
Find more information about Meetings and Treatment in the Salem area.
Mended Hearts
Meetings offer peer-to peer support for cardiac patients and their families. Our meetings help people understand that there can be a rich, rewarding life after heart disease diagnosis. Members listen, share their experiences and volunteer to talk to other
heart patients about what they may face. Medical professionals often attend to provide valuable information. We welcome you to join us.
Click here for current Salem meeting information.
There is no charge to attend the meetings. For more information, contact Crystal Dryden at 503-814-1745 or Crystal.Dryden1@salemhealth.org.
Stroke Warriors and Caregivers Support Group
Second Tuesday of each month
Meeting Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Please arrive closer to noon, and no later than 12:30 p.m., or you will not be able to enter as the building is locked and no one will be available to let you in after the meeting begins.
Location: Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market St. NE, Room 206
All are welcome to attend this meeting. For more information, call Dave Alexander at 503-871-8363, or his wife, Arlene Alexander, at mommyarlene3@yahoo.com.
Grief: Healing After Loss workshop
For workshop dates click here.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
For family and friends who care about someone with a mental illness. Send an email to namioregon@namior.org or visit NAMIor.org.
NAMI Family Support Group
For families who have loved ones who struggle with mental illness. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month at Capital Manor, tenth floor lounge, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (NAMI signs will be out front) 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy. NW, Salem.
For more information, please contact the group facilitator, Lois Stafford at loiscstafford@gmail.com.
NW Human Services – Mid-Valley Resources
Find the help you need, when you need it. Mid-Valley Resources is managed by Northwest Human Services' Crisis & Information Hotline. The Hotline provides 24/7/365 resource information, emergency rent and financial assistance, and life-saving suicide intervention services.
Do you need help finding a resource? Call 503-581-5535 or 1-800-560-5535. Visit midvalleyresources.org.
NWHS is also part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering 24/7, nonjudgmental support for mental health, connecting individuals in need of support. Text, chat or call 988.
Pregnancy Loss Grief Circles
Pregnancy Loss Grief Circles provide a compassionate space to honor your grief, share your story, and connect with others who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, termination, or infant loss. Through guided meditations, grief rituals, and community support, creating a space for healing and remembrance. Join them on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Health Education Center Support Group Room, on the Salem Health campus, Building D, first floor to find comfort, understanding, and a place where your loss is acknowledged, and your love endures. Offered in partnership by Compass Perinatal Peer Support, facilitated by Ashley Rose (Ashley Rose Doula) and Samantha (Silver Falls Family Support). For more information visit Doula Synergy or email info@doulasynergy.com.
Suicide grief support groups
Visit sbsnw.org
Suicide Prevention Trainings
- Mid-Valley Suicide Prevention Coalition: mvsuicideprevention.com
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
Willamette Vital Health
Willamette Vital Health offers a variety of grief support groups for adults and children. They also offer a summer camp for grieving children. For location and more information, contact the bereavement department at 503-588-3600 or visit wvh.org for a current schedule of support groups.
Other grief resources
Salem Health does not endorse any of the resources listed below. They are being provided for information and as options. You may find other resources through your primary care provider or health insurer.
Car seat safety
Resources to make sure your child's car seat is installed and used correctly.
- Car Seat Coalition
Offers car seat safety checks and car seat assistance program. Various entities involved; clinics are usually held at the Keizer Fire Department. Call 971-707-0472 for more information. - Bambinos
Offers car seat safety clinics and car seat assistance program. Car seat assistance program requires families to reside within Polk County. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Located in Dallas, call 503-623-4618 for more information. - OHSU Doernbecher Hospital
Offers virtual car seat safety checks and car seat distribution program. Also offers adaptive transportation assessments (for children unable to use conventional car seats), a crib distribution program, and home safety education. Located in Portland, call 503-418-5666 for more information. - OHSU Tom Sargent Safety Center
A certified child passenger safety technician can meet with you virtually to provide education and technical help on installing and using your child’s car safety seat. For more information, visit ohsu.edu/doernbecher/tom-sargent-safety-center or call 503-418-5666.
Compass Perinatal Peer Support
In-person support groups in Marion & Yamhill counties, giving new parents opportunities to meet other parents, share the ups and downs of this new life chapter and find resources from trained volunteers. For more information call or text (971) 301-2678 or visit https://compasspps.com/support-groups#6a0809cb-674a-44c6-949f-2365416a8739.
Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, Inc. Visit parentinghub.org
Mom and Me Breastfeeding Support Group (Salem)
Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays (except holidays) from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
939 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor, classroom 2
For more information, call Salem Health's lactation office at 503-814-4539.
Mom and Me Breastfeeding Support Group (Dallas)
Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
525 SE Washington St. (Use front entrance on Washington St.)
For more information, call Salem Health's lactation office at 503-814-4539.
Postpartum Support International
Support “warmline”: 800-944-4773 or visit postpartum.net
Salem Parents of Multiples
Caring for twins/multiples is an exciting, challenging adventure. Learn from other parents who have been raising these families! Connect with other twin families, give/get advice, set up play-dates, sell/trade items, learn about resources and share experiences. To join the Facebook group, send a friend request to Lyndsay Huebsch or ask to join the T.W.I.N.S. group and she’ll add you. You can also call Lyndsay at 541-760-5444.
Support groups Visit compasspps.org
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
The ALS Association Oregon and SW Washington Chapter's Monthly Support Group Program is an essential tool in helping people living with ALS and their caregivers, families and friends navigate the family’s journey with ALS.
Individuals meet in person on the third Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley, 445 Biller Ave. NE. The Caregivers meeting is the first Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Broadway Commons, 1300 Broadway St. NE, Salem.
Please contact Mary Rebar for more information at mary.rebar@alsnorthwest.org or 541-990-1246 — and visit the Oregon chapter at alsoregon.org.
Alzheimer’s Association
This group provides a 24/7 hotline. Speak to masters-level experts in Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Call 800-272-3900.
Caregiver support classes
offered every third Wednesday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Salem at Center 50+, or every third Monday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Dallas Public Library. Call the help line at 800-272-3900 for more information on location and topics. Visit alz.org/orswwa.
Alzheimer’s Network of Oregon
The Alzheimer's Network of Oregon hosts monthly Memory Café events—welcoming gatherings where individuals with memory loss and their caregivers can connect, share, and build community in Salem and Keizer. Join them!
For more information call 971-720-1652, email memorycafesalem@gmail.com or check their website at Alznet.org.
Amputee and Limb Loss Support
- AMPOWER Amputee Peer Support Group
This group consists of a nationwide network of trained peer mentors who have successfully recovered and rehabilitated following an amputation. Mentors are available to speak face-to-face, over the phone, via Skype or Facetime, through e-mail or through a private, password-protected online web community. Sponsored by Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics. Call toll-free at 877-4HANGER, option 1, for more information. Visit EmpoweringAmputees.org.
- Amputee Coalition
To learn about the Amputee Coalition, visit amputee-coaltion.org.
- Power On with Limb Loss
A support group for amputees, those with limb loss, or limb difference, and people with physical challenges. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Community Health Education Center Support Group Room, on the Salem Health campus, Building D, first floor.
If interested, please contact facilitator Paula Free at paula@poweronwithlimbloss.org. For more information, visit poweronwithlimbloss.org.
Aphasia community support group
Learn about stroke and aphasia and meet others with aphasia. Group meets every Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the CHEC Support Group Room at Salem Hospital, Building D, first floor.
For more information, contact Theresa Robinette at 503-371-3948 or robinette867@comcast.net.
Better Breathers
For more information, contact betterbreathersclub@lung.org. Also check out the American Lung Association at lung.org.
BlindSkills
Blindskills is a local nonprofit offering resources and support to our blind/visually impaired community, along with their families and friends. Low Vision Life Skills meets the 3rd Friday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Community Health Education Center at the Salem Health campus, Building D, Support Group Room. We have guest speakers and various topics of discussion, such as the relation of sight loss to balance, and light-your best friend/your worst enemy. There is no cost for this support group, and facilitators are also living with sight loss.
For more information contact Blindskills at 503-581-4224 and visit blindskills.com.
Brain injury support group
Minds In Motion Initiative, offering support for individuals living with acquired brain injury.
Meeting times:
- Every fourth Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Locations vary by activity and discussion (contact Meg Snider for details).
- Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ike Box Café, 299 Cottage St. NE, Salem.
- Every Wednesday (Game Day) from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Minds In Motion Initiative office, 744 Capitol St. NE, Salem.
For more information, contact Meg Snider at 971-977-3688 or msnider@oregonminds.org. To learn more, visit oregonminds.org.
Capital Pride: Queer Craft Meetup
Salem Capital Pride provides a safe space and invites you to come craft with members of the LGBtQIA+ community. This group meets on the 4th Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) in classroom 1, to get our craft on! Hang out and make friends while expressing your creativity. All types of crafts are welcome if they are safe to do indoors. Contact info@salemcaptalpride.org if you have any questions. For more information visit Salem Capital Pride.
CHEC Yourself podcast
CHEC Yourself is a collaborative project put together by the Community Health Education Center. While the content covers a myriad of topics in the health and wellness arena, its broader mission is to help listeners live their best lives. Topics include nutrition, fitness, and emotional resiliency. The intention is not merely to educate, but also to provide tools for listeners who want to create their own vision of a healthy and successful life. Click here for the latest podcast.
Creating Opportunities
A community organization developed for the purpose of supporting families of children with developmental disabilities in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties.
To learn more, please visit: https://creatingops.org/.
Decoding Dyslexia
Our Mission is to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and improve resources for students with dyslexia in Oregon public schools. For more information visit decodingdyslexiaor.org.
Living with Ostomy Support Group
This group is dedicated to improving the quality of life of anyone who has or will have an intestinal or urinary diversion. For more information about the group, contact Vince Faiola at usvf@coloplast.com. Salem-Keizer contact: Mindy Close Malinda.Close@salemhealth.org or by phone at 503-814-9236.
Visit ostomy.org.
Parkinson’s Information and Education Group
Meets Second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Covenant Church, 5020 Liberty Rd. S., Salem. Contact Jayne at 503-930-4239 for more information — and visit parkinsonsresources.org and parkinson.org to learn more.
Please call before attending your first meeting. Family, friends and care partners are welcome. Peer-led, positive and encouraging support for each other.
Salem Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
This support group provides a chance for individuals with MS and their family and friends to share common experiences and concerns, provide and receive emotional support, and get information on various aspects of living well with MS. The group is led by a trained volunteer and is free of charge. The group meets at IKE Box in Salem on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, please visit this link or contact the group leader, Sherena, at roxyrxz@icloud.com or 971-406-8787.
For more information about MS, please visit nationalMSsociety.org.
Salem R.O.C.K. — Raising Our Celiac Kids
For more information or resources, call Kristen Klay at 503-581-3884 or kristenklay@yahoo.com, or visit celiac.com and celiac.org.
Shared Vision: A vision loss support group
Monthly support groups. For more information, please call 503-581-4224 and visit blindskills.com.
Stuttering support group
Meets second Sunday of each month, 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Broadway Coffeehouse, 1300 Broadway St. NE, Salem.
Join other people who stutter, their friends, family members and speech language pathologists for support and to feel less alone. Learn more about stuttering and explore new ways to cope with and accept stuttering in a safe environment. Contact Sarah at salemstutters@gmail.com.
Like them on Facebook at Salem Stutters. They are the Salem chapter of National Stuttering Association. Learn more at westutter.org.
Tourette’s Syndrome support group
For families of children who have been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. Join with others to learn about resources, gain support and connect with other families. For more information, contact Erica at ericalee.gordon@gmail.com.
Willamette Wanderers
As one of over 300 clubs of the American Volkssports Association, the Willamette Wanderers exist for the love of walking. They participate and plan walking events in and around Salem and Keizer. Contact them at willwander.weebly.com.