There are regional networks of support groups which are developed and nurtured through either a Center or a Chapter. Some of the support groups are focused on particular needs such as caregiver support, young onset, or persons who have recently been diagnosed. These groups and networks are formed primarily to provide support and the natural "therapy" that happens when people who have a common concern such as living with Parkinson's gather together.
There are four simple reasons for establishment of support groups:
- To offer an opportunity for patients, families and friends of patients to meet and share information about Parkinson's disease, provide ways and means of coping with it, and provide mutual support for one another
- To search out and make members aware of facilities and resources available to them
- To develop an awareness in the community at large for Parkinson's disease
- To volunteer for investigational drug studies and other research activities and do fund-raising for research for the CURE
Following is a list of Alabama support groups.
Birmingham Support Group801 11th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama
Group meets every third Sunday at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Ina Leonard @ 205-824-6446 or
inaeb@charter.net.
Wiregrass Support GroupDothan, Alabama
Southeast Alabama Medical Ctr.
Auditorium Conference Room
Meetings vary.
For more information, please contact Ann Wessel at 334-794-3597 or email:
wesselann@comcast.net.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Support Group of Sylacauga
First Baptist Church
10 South Broadway
Sylacauga, Alabama
Group meets every second and forth Monday at 10am.
For more information, please contact Phyllis Cooper @ 256-249-0656 or June Winters @ 256-249-0685.
Young Onset Parkinson Disease Support Group (diagnosed at 55 or younger)
4000 Ridgeway Drive
Birmingham, AL (Lakeshore Foundation)
Group meets every first Saturday at 2:00pm.
For more information, contact Sharon Parker @ 256-350-8712 or email:
ypdalabama@gmail.com.
Huntsville Support Group
Group meets every second Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Carolyn Jennings at 256-852-3436 or email:
cfjennings@knology.net.
Montgomery Support Group
604 Augusta Street
Montgomery, AL 36111
Group meets every 4th Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Susan Bray @ 334-240-4595 .
New support groups forming in the Cullman area. For more information, please contact Linda Weaver at 256-506-3930.
PD 101 Classes
Primarily for patients diagnosed within the past 18 months. For class times and locations, contact Jennifer Newsome, RN, CCRC @ 934-9100.
If there are groups that are not listed, please let us know by calling the APDA line at 205-934-9100.
Find Other Support Groups