Support Groups
We understand your child’s diagnosis can be a stressful time for you and your family. We also know that a good support system is just as important as a good care team. Support groups at Nationwide Children’s Hospital can connect you with other families and resources in your time of need.
Don’t see a support group that’s relevant to you? Please talk to your child’s care team to learn about additional support or resources.
The support group information listed below is not an all inclusive listing. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact your health care provider or the Case Management team at (614) 722-6300.
| Group Name | Contact Information | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease Online Community | Adolescent & Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program (614) 722-5622 | At Nationwide Children's Hospital, we realize that emotional support is every bit as important as medical treatment. That's why we created an online community for our patients and potential patients. Learn about upcoming support groups, past events and read our patient stories. |
| Bariatric Surgery Patient Support Group | Tara Casper (614) 722-5949 | The Bariatric Surgery Patient Support Group provides a supportive environment for patients who have had or who are pursuing bariatric surgery, their parents, family members, and other support persons. Participants receive education on a variety of topics and then are encouraged to join in the discussion with other group members. Post-surgery patients are present to facilitate questions pre-surgery participants may have. Due to the sensitive nature of issues discussed, participants must be a patient in the Bariatric Surgery Clinic in order to attend meetings. |
| Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group | Cleft Lip and Palate Center (614)-962-6366 | Learn more about the Cleft Lip and Palate Support Group here. |
| Celiac's Gluten Free Gang | Mary Kay Sharrett, RD (614)-722-3093 | To provide support to Columbus area patients with Celiac disease and their families and to share information and ideas about living a Gluten free life style. The group also works to education the community about Celiac disease. |
| Endocrinology Connecting Families Mentor Program | Toyetta Barnard-Kirk, Program Coordinator, 614-722-6325 | A peer-to-peer program to match mentor and mentee parents for support while their child is receiving care at Nationwide Children’s. Support focuses on needs such as onset diagnosis, surgery, navigating through the medical system and more. |
| Endocrinology Patient and Parent Focus Group | Toyetta Barnard-Kirk, Program Coordinator, 614-722-6325 | Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patient families join pediatric endocrinology provides to discuss various topics of interest to improve communication and care for families. Topics include diabetes device care, diabetes, in school, pattern management, and more. |
| Epilepsy Center's Library of "Seizure Information for Parents and Guardians" | Resource for parents and guardians of patients with seizures | |
| Irritable Bowel Disease Resources for Families | Resources for parents and guardians of patients with IRB. | |
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Resources | From NICU family gatherings to lactation support, we offer many support resources for our NICU families. Talk to your baby’s care team to learn more about support services for your family. | |
| Orthopedics Resources | From information about a condition to instructions to help care for your child's cast or splint, check out our list of orthopedic resources for families. |