Stroke Classes, Events, and News

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing stroke symptoms, don't wait — call 911 right away.

UPMC offers stroke support groups for individuals affected by stroke and their family members and caregivers.

Stroke Support Groups

A stroke can be a life-altering event, impacting a person's job, family, and numerous other aspects of life. Recovery depends in part on the level of support a person receives, including social support.

Participants in stroke support groups come together to share information and encouragement, learn about strokes and stroke prevention, and help other stroke survivors in achieving as much independence as possible.

Although every stroke is different, learning about other people's experiences can empower survivors in their recoveries. Family members and caregivers also benefit from hearing survivors discuss how their families supported them, including ways their families could have offered more effective assistance.

Who can participate in a stroke support group?

Our stroke support groups are open to anyone who has sustained a stroke, their family members, their caregivers, and others who are interested in learning more about stroke.

What does a stroke support group do?

Stroke support groups provide important information on how to manage the ongoing challenges of stroke recovery. Support groups give members the opportunity to share experiences, give support, and develop social connections.

How much does it cost to join a stroke support group?

Membership in any of our stroke support groups is always free.

Stroke support group meetings and locations

Altoona

The Altoona-area Stroke Support Group meets every other month on the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m.

Meeting months are:

January
March
May
July
September
November

The meetings are located at:

Station Medical Center
1516 9th Ave.
Altoona, PA 16602

For more information, please call 814-889-2356.

Harrisburg

UPMC's Stroke Support Group in Central Pa. is open to stroke patients, their family members, and interested friends in the greater Harrisburg area. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at:

UPMC Community Osteopathic
Conference Room 1
4300 Londonderry Rd., 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17109

Please call 717-657-7186 for more information.

Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Stroke Support Group is offered at UPMC Mercy, both in-person and virtually.

This support group is offered on the second Saturday of each month, unless otherwise notified, from 10 to 11 a.m., at:

UPMC Mercy
Clark Auditorium
1400 Locust St., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219