Support Groups
Click here for printable flyer of support groups hosted at Conemaugh East Hills
ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease", is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. After Frank E. Mayak's death from ALS, his wife, Shirley, and his family wished to be sure those living with ALS, their families, friends, and survivors would be able to find support and information.
Meets the second Wednesday of each month
3 - 4 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 955-7215
Alzheimer's Support Group
Information and education on how to care for a patient with Alzheimer's disease. Family members, caregivers, or patients with any form of dementia are welcome to attend this group. Discussion topics include signs of problems and care within the home. Guest speakers present on topics including legal issues with attorneys and medical issues with physicians and other medical professionals. Hosted by the Laurel Highlands Alzheimer's Foundation.
Meets the second Monday of each month
7 - 9 pm
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Main Campus
Clinical Pavillion, CT1009
1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone: (814) 266-7881
Bariatric Support Group
A secure and friendly environment for those that have had weight loss surgery or are interested in learning more about surgery. Group members receive up-to-date weight loss information, consider issues in context of the history of obesity, and have the opportunity to discuss personal or professional issues that arise from losing weight. Education is also provided for nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification skills. The support group is hosted by a dietitian and bariatric coordinator. Studies have shown that bariatric patients who regularly attend support group meetings and follow-up with their surgeon have the greatest long-term success.
Meets the first Wednesday of every month
6 - 7 pm
Conemaugh Physician Group - Surgery
Weight Management Office
415 Napoleon Place, Johnstown, PA 15901
Phone: (814) 539-8725
Brain Injury Support Group
This group is open to any individual, family member, or caregiver affected by a brain injury or stroke. An estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Stroke, an acquired brain injury, is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Although many functional abilities may be restored after injury, recover is an ongoing process. The open forum meeting includes informal discussions, sharing of personal stories, and guest speakers. This group also provides education and information for survivors and caregivers, enabling them to maintain a positive attitude.
Meets the last Thursday of each month
3 - 4:30 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 269-5248
Breastfeeding
*Preregistration required
Meets the first Thursday of each month
6 - 9 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 534-9009
Cancer - Women's Cancer Support Group
This group welcomes women over the age of 20 affected by any form of cancer. Any woman, whether newly diagnosed, in the midst of chemotherapy, or cancer-free for years, is welcome to attend.
Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, except January
6 - 8 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 266-9194
Cardiac Rehab
Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month
10 - 11 am
Meets the second Wednesday of each month
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 534-1990
Chronic Pain / Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
This group is open to any individual suffering with chronic pain. More than 100 million American adults have chronic pain or pain that lasts more than about twelve weeks. This group offers support, validation, and education in basic pain management and life skills. The open forum meeting includes pain related topics, activities, or guest speakers decided upon by the group.
Meets the second Monday of each month
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 534-3797
Diabetes Support Group
This group is for any individual over the age of 18 who has or is caring for someone with diabetes. The group is led by a Registered Nurse who is a Certified Diabetic Educator. The open forum provides encouragement, up-to-date information and fellowship from others living with diabetes.
Meets the first Thursday of each month
At this time, all meetings are being held using video conferencing.
For more informaiton on these support group dates and times or spciall programming, please call the Conemaugh Diabetes Institute at (814) 534-6800 or 1-866-641-3828
Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Support Group
Socialize and network with other families. Learn about programs, resources, and related services. Monthly topics focus on infants, children, and teen issues. Supervised play area for children up to age 10 - Must RSVP. Beverages provided. Please feel free to bring a light snack to share.
Meets the third Sunday of each month
6 - 8 pm
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
202 West Union Street
Somerset, PA 15501
For more information or to RSVP, call Tamie at (814) 445-4329 or (814) 233-1580.
Epilepsy Support Group
Epilepsy is a chronic or life-long neurological condition involving recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It is the most common disorder of the central nervous system and can vary in onset from early childhood to late adulthood. It affects approximately 1% of the general population. This group is hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Western / Central Pennsylvania.
Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month
4 - 5 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (800) 361-5885
Heart Pacing Group
This group is an educational and fun group for community members with heart issues, family members, and caregivers, as well as individuals who want to maintain a healthy heart. Each meeting includes a professional speaker about heart health topics and an opportunity to ask questions. There is no enrollment fee and the meetings are free to attend.
2019 Dates: March 28, April 25, May 23, Sept 26, Oct 24, and Nov 21
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Main Campus
Third Floor, Back of Crossroads Cafe
1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905
For more information, contact Nancy Grove at (814) 288-3822 or ngrove@atlanticbb.net
HIV / AIDS Support Group
This group provides a secure and friendly environment for individuals living with HIV / AIDS. Group members receive up-to-date information and support through interactions with positive peers.
For more information, including meeting dates and times, call Community Care Management at (814) 534-3032 or 1-866-429-1583.
Ostomy Support Group
This group provides a secure and friendly environment for individuals living with an ostomy. The group is hosted by ostomy nurses and guest speakers may attend. Group members receive up-to-date information and support through interactions with positive peers.
Meets quarterly on a Thursday
5 - 6 pm
Conemaugh Physician Group - Surgery
415 Napoleon Place
Johnstown, PA
Phone: (814) 534-6840
Parenting by Choice Support Group
Many grandparents and other relatives find themselves raising grandchildren as a result of their own child being addicted to drugs or alcohol. This support group is designed to provide encouragement and comfort as well as an opportunity to share helpful experiences and discuss the unique challenges of raising this special group of children. Topics include finding help and support, understanding family addiction, knowing laws and legal resources, talking to children about tough issues, managing the caregiving role, and building resiliency in the child and guardian.
Meets the first Wednesday of each month
6 - 7 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone: (814) 534-7926
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that involves primarily a degeneration of specific nerve cells deep in the area of the brain. These cells make the neurochemical dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for messages in the brain that control normal movement. When there is no dopamine, the end result is stiffness, and tremor and balance problems. Treatment varies from person to person and focuses on symptom management. Goals is this group include offering friendship, support, and encouragement to Parkinson's patients and caregivers; educational information; and providing a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Meets the third Wednesday of each month
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 955-7215
Prepared Childbirth
*Preregistration Required
Meets the second, third, and fourth Thursday of each month
7 - 9 pm
Conemaugh East Hills Outpatient Center
First Floor, Community Room B
1450 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904
Phone: (814) 534-9009
Pulmonary Support Group
For patients with pulmonary disease or concerns.
Meets the fourth Friday of each month
11 am - 12 pm
Phone: (814) 534-9665