Program Description

The Heart Healthy Support Group set offers venues for patients, spouses or partners of patients to share their experiences about their health. The program includes diagnosis-specific support group options such as Cardiomyopathy/ICD group, Atrial Fibrillation group, Coronary Disease group, Diabetes group, and Obesity Group.

Support Structure

• Group facilitation by heart patients/spouses and or professional counselors.

• Focus is on support, transcending feelings of isolation, depression etc.

• Discuss participant progress and challenges, inspire hope through example participant cases from those who have succeeded in the transformation to heart healthy lifestyles.

• Support emotional intimacy and build new friendships.

• Offered in weekly or bi-weekly/monthly group meetings.

• Discussion groups led by either a counselor or individuals who have advanced successfully in the program.

• Access through periodic group sessions with an anticipated duration based on participant needs including a  target of a one year period which can be extended beyond.