Support Groups

At MU Health Care, we know that healing goes beyond medical care. Our support groups offer emotional connection, practical guidance and shared experiences for patients, families and caregivers facing health challenges. Whether you’re managing a cancer diagnosis, adjusting after a stroke or supporting a loved one with memory loss, you’ll find a welcoming community. All groups are free and open to the public.

Choose a Support Group:

 

Bariatric Surgery Support Group

This support group provides education and support for patients who are planning to, or have had, bariatric weight loss surgery. In addition to monthly meetings, available over Zoom, participants can join the Weight Management and Metabolic Center Facebook group to connect with others, share experiences and ask questions. Membership in the Facebook group is required to participate.

Date: First Monday of each month
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Weight Management and Metabolic Center Facebook page or Zoom (links available via our Facebook page)
Contact: Michelle Bauche, bauchem@health.missouri.edu

 

Breast Cancer Support Group

Columbia

The Breast Cancer Support Group was founded to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals affected by breast cancer. The group meets monthly, offering a space to share experiences, connect with others and hear from guest speakers on topics related to treatment, recovery and wellness.

Date: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Essentials Conference Room – 1L03 located in the University Hospital lobby, next to Essentials Cafe Columbia, MO 65212
Contact: Amanda Richard, adrxmg@health.missouri.edu
 

Jefferson City

Encouragement Through Caring

The Encouragement Through Caring (ETC) group was established in 1989 in Jefferson City by women diagnosed with breast cancer. The meetings and activities are designed to offer support to breast cancer patients and their family members. The group participates in monthly meetings with guest speakers, Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities and fundraising efforts for Relay for Life.

Date: Second Thursday of each month (except January) 
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Goldschmidt Cancer Center located at 1432 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Contact: Rosie Verslues, (573) 635-3283; Sharon Brauner, (573) 636-4812 or Carol England, carolengland71@gmail.com

 

Columbia MS Support Group

This group provides a chance for individuals with multiple sclerosis 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. Location varies; please contact group leader to confirm.

Location: Columbia Public Library, Friends Room, located at 100 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203
Contact: Jamie McDonald, mcdonaldja@umsystem.edu or (573) 882-6767

 

Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

This group offers a supportive environment for individuals affected by head and neck cancer, including patients, families and caregivers. Meetings provide opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges, share insights and coping strategies and learn from guest speakers and fellow participants.

Date: Second Tuesday of every month
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center located at 1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65212
Contact: Dana Kee, keed@missouri.edu

 

Heart-to-Heart Support Group

The Heart-to-Heart Support Group is for cardiac and pulmonary patients, their families, caregivers or anyone interested in heart health. Members can connect with those in the community who may share similar cardiac health concerns. This group meets quarterly and hears from guest speakers, including cardiologists and other experts within the cardiovascular field. Guest speakers will present on a topic related to heart health and then be available for a Q&A.

Date: Quarterly
Time: 11:30 a.m. 
Location: Tunnell/Wherritt Community Room, ground floor of the Madison Street Medical Building at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 
Contact: (573) 632-5488

 

Laryngectomy Support Group

This group welcomes laryngectomy patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Meetings are guided by the interests and needs of those attending, providing a space for open discussion and support. A private Facebook page, Mid Missouri Laryngectomy Group, is also available for members to connect and share resources.

Date: Second Saturday of each month
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Columbia Public Library, 100 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203
Contact: Corey Sullivan, sullic625@yahoo.com

 

Memory Support Groups

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, MU Health Care offers this group for family members and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, providing an opportunity for family members and caregivers to meet and develop a mutual support system that will help maintain the health and well-being of its members. Members share feelings, needs and concerns in a confidential, safe, supportive, non-threatening and non-judgmental environment.

Date: Second Monday of each month
Time: 12-1:30 p.m. 
Location: Neurology Clinic, first floor of the Madison Street Medical Building located at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 
Contact: Anna Wilson, amw587@health.missouri.edu or (573) 632-5570
 

Memory Care Support Group

This support group is for individuals adjusting to early-stage memory loss due to Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, other dementias or mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Participants, along with friends and family members, are welcome to join for mutual support, social connection and educational discussions.

Date: Second Monday of each month
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Tunnell/Wherritt Community Room, ground floor of the Madison Street Medical Building at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Contact: (573) 632-5745
 

Memory Care Social Activity Group

Date: Fourth Monday of every month
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Tunnell/Wherritt Community Room, ground floor of the Madison Street Medical Building at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 
Contact: Anna Wilson, (573) 632-5570 or amw587@missouri.edu

 

Parkinson’s Support Group

This support group is open to individuals with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their family members and caregivers. Meetings feature guest speakers covering topics like nutrition, exercise, speech and swallowing issues, leisure activities, medication and the mind-body connection to health and wellness.

Date: Third Friday of each month
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Tunnell/Wherritt Community Room, ground floor of the Madison Street Medical Building at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Contact: (573) 632-5614

 

Stroke Support Group

The Stroke Support Group is available for survivors and others interested in increasing the understanding of the emotional, social and educational needs of stroke survivors. Research has pointed to the fact that recovery after stroke is more complete and faster with a strong support system, and we want to help make that happen. The group is open to survivors, caregivers and members of the community. Different topics are discussed and presented each month.

Columbia

Date: Third Thursday of the month
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Rusk Rehabilitation Dining Room located at 315 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65203 and via Zoom
Contact: Tori Sission, (573) 817-4752
 

Jefferson City

Date: First Friday of each month
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Tunnell/Wherritt Community Room, ground floor of the Madison Street Medical Building located at 1125 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Contact: (573) 632-5440

 

Wings of Hope Support Group

Wings of Hope provides support for families grieving the loss of a baby. This program offers comfort and guidance from the moment of loss and throughout the healing process. Families are welcome to join for emotional support, connection with others and a space to honor and remember their baby.

Date: Fourth Thursday of each month
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Contact: (573) 632-5035