Free monthly group for survivors and caregivers in the community

SMYRNA, Tenn. (May 1, 2015) - TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center now offers a free monthly Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group for survivors and caregivers in the community.

The first support group was held April 2nd with six survivors and three caregivers in attendance.

“The most important discovery made by those in attendance through the evening was that despite the differences in their injuries and deficits, the “feelings” were all the same,” said Liz Robinson, support group coordinator and speech therapist in the physical medicine department at TriStar StoneCrest. “They talked about their frustrations, sadness, and also the successes, positive experiences and goals for the future.”

Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group

Second Thursday of each month from 5 – 6 p.m.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center

Physicians Building Classroom

300 StoneCrest Boulevard in Smyrna, TN 37167

The idea for a support group started with inquires and requests from patients Robinson worked with as they were looking to connect with others who understood what it was like to recover from a stroke or other brain injury. Recognizing the opportunity to meet that need within their community hospital, Robinson volunteered to plan and coordinate a support group. Along with physical medicine department colleagues Reca Barwin, co-coordinator and occupational therapist, and Michelle Trujillo, volunteer, from the physical medicine department, and with tremendous input from colleagues and patients, the group is off to a great start.

“Everyone expressed their gratitude and said they would be back next month,” said Robinson. “I couldn’t have imagined it all working out as well as it did.”

The monthly support group is free and open to the community. Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from 5 – 6 p.m. in the TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center Physicians Building Classroom at 300 StoneCrest Boulevard in Smyrna, Tennessee. Activities are designed to provide resources and inspiration and may include guest speakers, member-led activities and discussions, small service projects and social activities.

In recognition of May as Stroke Awareness Month, the May 14 support group meeting discussion topic will be stroke.

Find meeting information online at TriStarHealth.com/Events or Facebook.com/StoneCrest.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center is a 109-bed facility located in North Rutherford County, Tenn. The TriStar Health hospital offers a full array of acute care services including emergency care, cardiology, general surgery, intensive care, maternity, orthopaedics, physical medicine, spine surgery, women’s health and wellness, outpatient imaging and diagnostic services and cancer care through Sarah Cannon at TriStar StoneCrest. Recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for four consecutive years, TriStar StoneCrest is a national leader in providing quality healthcare. For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted by TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, visit TriStarHealth.com/StoneCrest. The hospital is located at 200 StoneCrest Boulevard, Smyrna, Tenn.