Support Groups

Meet others who understand

Providence St. Mary Medical Center offers support groups for many different needs, including diabetes, breast cancer and stroke. Links to more information about each of the groups is in the menu to your left.

Support groups offer you the opportunity to meet other people who share your diagnosis, and learn about new treatments and therapies. Support groups can be helpful to people who have had the diagnosis for a long time, as well as for the recently diagnosed. We also offer a group for new mothers and their babies who want to get together.

You do not have to be a patient at Providence St. Mary Medical Center to attend any of the groups. All of the groups are free, and are provided as a community service.

The Cancer Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 3:30 - 5 p.m. in the Conference Room on Level 1 near the cafeteria at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

The Cancer Support Group is helpful for people at any stage of the cancer journey, from the newly diagnosed to those who are many years out. They do not have to have received treatment at St. Mary in order to attend.

Information contact

Barbara Bates, MSW or Mardi Hagerman, RN
Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center
509-676-3504

Breast cancer support group

The Walla Walla Breast Cancer Survivors Group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Marian Room on Level 1 near the cafeteria at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

The Breast Cancer Survivors Group provides an environment for women living with, through and beyond breast cancer where they can share common concerns and strengthen their ability to adjust to life after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Women do not have to have received their treatment at Providence St. Mary Medical Center to attend. The group is helpful to the newly diagnosed, as well as to women who experienced breast cancer many years ago.

Information contact

Laurie Cochran RN
Providence St. Mary Community Breast Center
509-897-5831

Our diabetes program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association and meets the national standards of diabetes management.

Individual counseling

We recommend that anyone who is newly diagnosed with diabetes, or is having trouble managing their diabetes, meet face to face with a diabetes nurse or nutrition educator.

Diabetes workshops

Our Diabetes Education Workshops are for newly-diagnosed diabetics, or those in need of a review of diabetes self-management.

Diabetes support group meetings

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month (except August and December), 5-6 p.m. at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Level 1 near the cafeteria. Free; all are welcome.

The workshops and individual counseling require a physician referral. The cost is covered by most insurance plans including Medicare. Providence St. Mary Medical Center also organizes several free diabetes education events and support group meetings. Please contact us if you are interested in more information about these free diabetes events.

Cost

Individual counseling and workshops are charged directly to your insurance company, Medicare or Medicaid. Charity care is available to those who have no insurance.

For more information, contact our Diabetes Coordinator: 509-897-2822.

This group welcomes all mothers, especially those with infants. Hosted by an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant ® (IBCLC ®) Registered Nurse who provides on-site lactation coaching and breastfeeding resources. An infant scale allows you to check your baby’s growth as well as milk intake before and after feeding.

Parking available on Birch Street and behind Birthright, though all participants must enter through the front door of the building.

This come-and-go class meets every Monday from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at Birthright of Walla Walla, 609 W. Birch Street.

Information contact

Please call 509-629-6922, ext. 5727.

Meets the second Thursday of every month

Adjusting to life after a stroke can be difficult for the survivor and the family. Connecting survivors, their family members and caregivers together can help provide a more meaningful recovery. The goal of the group is to provide this connection and offer education through guest speakers and lectures.

Talks will focus on topics such as preventing stroke (including a second stroke), living life after the stroke, resources for survivors, caregiver support, depression, the importance of exercise, environmental safety and more.

This group is open to stroke survivors, their families and caregivers - regardless of whether the stroke happened recently, or many years ago.

To learn more, contact Katie Carlisle or Melissa Adams; call 509-897-2393 or send an email.