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Support Groups

At UPMC in central Pa., we are committed to supporting you when you need it most. That’s why we offer a number of support groups to help you connect with others who are having similar life experiences. Our groups offer emotional and practical support and are facilitated by specially trained UPMC staff members.

For additional information regarding any of the support groups listed, unless otherwise indicated, please call the Phone Line at 717-231-8900.

Explore Our Support Groups:

Cardiac and Stroke Related Support Groups

  • Powerful Hearts Support Group
  • Stroke Support Group

Cancer Related Support Groups

  • See a List of all Cancer Support Groups 

Mental Health and Coping Related Support Groups

  • Depression Bipolar Support Alliance

Ostomy Education and Support Groups

Whether you’ve recently had an ostomy (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, etc.) placed, or have had it for years, you and your caregivers are welcome to join the UPMC Ostomy Education and Support Group. Meetings will include peer support and guest speakers covering a variety of topics. We will also have a certified ostomy nurse available to answer questions. This support group is open to all ostomy patients and caregivers.

Topics of discussion include:

  • Guest speakers featuring manufacturer representatives and subject matter experts
  • Navigating daily life with an ostomy including travel
  • Troubleshooting common challenges
  • What is "normal" and when to seek assistance?

Registration is not required to attend.

2025 Ostomy Education and Support Groups

Gettysburg and Hanover Area 
UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
Hanover, PA 17331

Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

January and February – Meetings will be held virtually on Zoom only.
March through October – Meetings will be held in-person and on Zoom.
November – Meeting will be held in-person only.
December – No meeting will be held.

For more information, contact Diane Bartholomew at 717-479-8063, Sharon Brady at 717-451-1287, or Deanna Hyser, hyserdk@upmc.edu.

Harrisburg Area
UPMC Outpatient Services
Medical Building 1
2015 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Morgan Shughart at 717-782-5565 or ostomy@upmc.edu.

Lancaster and Lititz Area
UPMC Lititz Hospital
Multipurpose Room
1500 Highlands Drive
Lititz PA 157543 

Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Andrea Heisey at ostomy@upmc.edu or call 717-568-8875.

York Area
Outpatient Services at UPMC Memorial
1703 Innovation Drive, Suite 2001
York, PA 17408

Meets the last Monday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Heaven Hess at 717-699-4083 or Anita Grove at 717-801-0765.

Please note that meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Meetings will not occur on holidays recognized by the U.S. Government (e.g, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).


Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Groups

  • Breastfeeding Support
  • New Parent and Working Parent Networks
  • Hope Group - Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Support
  • Heartstrings - Perinatal Bereavement Support

(please call 717-231-8916 for more information)


Pulmonary and Tobacco Cessation Support Groups

  • Smoking/Tobacco Cessation Support Group
  • Better Breathers Club
  • A.W.A.K.E. (Sleep Apnea)

Weight Loss & Bariatric Support Groups

  • Bariatric Support Group

Brain Injury Support Groups

  • Date(s): Fourth Wednesday of each month.
  • Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: UPMC West Shore Campus Outpatient Services Facility-Fredricksen Pavilion
    2025 Technology Parkway, Ground 08 Conference Room, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury, we welcome you to join the Brain Injury Support Group. The group is a blend of survivors, family members, caregivers, and professionals of all ages.

Our support group is clinically supported by UPMC Neurological Institute nurses and underwritten by The Wilson “The Brain Matters” Endowment.

For more information, please call 717-303-9977.

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