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support groups

At Emory Decatur Hospital we realize that your treatment and support doesn't end with surgery. We offer a multidisciplinary program both before and after surgery. The staff at the Comprehensive Weight Loss Center understand that the key to your success is long term follow-up and support. We are with you on you journey to achieve success and long term wellness.

The meetings are held twice a month and focus on the physical and emotional aspects leading up to the surgery as well as following surgery.  We recognize that the patient is not the only person whose life is transformed by this surgery; for that reason we encourage significant others, family members, and friends to attend.  
Support Groups meetings are held at:

Emory Decatur Hospital, Stubbs Auditorium
2665 N. Decatur Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404.501.7081

All meetings are free and we encourage everyone to participate.

Third Wednesday of Every Month
This group is open to all and addresses concerns and celebrations pre and post surgery. We acknowledge our transformations and offer encouragement and support. We discuss challenges as well as positive changes that are happening in our lives. This support group is facilitated by Dr. Stephen Ritz, Psychologist.

Last Thursday of Every Month
This group is open to all and addresses concerns and celebrations pre and post surgery. We acknowledge our transformations and offer encouragement and support. We discuss challenges as well as positive changes that are happening in our lives. We also incorporate exercise, recipes, and nutrition. This group is facilitated by Kathy Kemp, MBSC.

For each person whose life is touched by cancer, the journey is unique. Whether you have been personally diagnosed with the disease or have a friend or loved one who has been, the experience can be scary and overwhelming. How to cope with the diagnosis, treatment and life changes is different for each person, but one common need for all people dealing with cancer is a good support system. We has some of the best cancer support groups in Atlanta including cancer classes, consultations and resources.

What cancer classes, cancer support groups and resources are available?

We offer nationally recognized cancer support groups for survivors and their loved ones. There is no required commitment. Come when you can and participate as you are able. All cancer classes, programs and resources are free and available to all patients, regardless of whether you were treated at one of our facilities or not. Call 404.501.EASY today and find out the many ways that we can help you push beyond cancer. These cancer classes and support groups include:

Department of Pastoral Services - 404.501.5148

Chaplains McClellon D. Cox
D.Min. BCC - Director of Pastoral Care
Joyce Young
M.Div. BCC - Associate Chaplain
Townley B. McGiffert, Jr.
M.Div BCC - Associate Chaplain
Janet Speer
M.Div.

Within the context of the mission and vision of the DeKalb Regional Health System, the Department of Pastoral Care attends to the spiritual needs of those in need. As board certified professional chaplains, we attend to the spiritual needs of the patients, families, physicians and staff of our related facilities. It is our mission to nourish the soul of the hospital, assisting any endeavor that advances the wellbeing of our community. We do this through teaching, listening, praying and helping to identify the spiritual needs of those who need our services.

Service of Hope and Healing

Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Place: Emory Decatur Hospital, Stubbs Auditorium, 2665 Professional Building

This ecumenical service is open to all who wish to participate in seeking God’s grace: patients, family members, physicians, employees, volunteers, building tenants and the Emory community. Join us for music, prayer and spiritual inspiration. Contact the Pastoral Care department for more information or for our next scheduled service.

Prayer Requests

Prayer requests can be dropped off in the prayer boxes located in the chapel areas in each of our hospital locations. The Pete & Jerri Pike Chapel is located on the 1st floor of the Emory Decatur Hospital location near the central admission and information desk. A prayer box is located in the chapel at Emory Hillandale Hospital and in the meditation area at Emory Long-Term Acute Care.

Grief Groups

In response to many requests for a grief group, Pastoral Services is pleased to offer this service to families who have lost a loved one or suffered some other loss. The group will deal with different types and stages of grief, as well as the spiritual and practical issues involved. The group will be led by Reverend T. J. McGiffert and Reverend Joyce Young. If you or any member of your family would like to attend, please call 404.501.5148 to inquire about our next group session.

Other Services

  • Upon request, chaplains will meet with employees and patients for individual sessions as may be required
  • Spiritual support of patients, families and staff
  • Diversity education
  • Staff development in areas of team building and conflict resolution
  • Crisis intervention/emergency calls. Critical Incident Stress Management interventions (CISM)
  • Community presentations (seminars, worship, etc.)
  • Distribution of Bibles and spiritual literature to patients
  • Facilitation of Support Groups
  • Liaison with community religious organizations

Emory Decatur Hospital offers several pregnancy support groups as well as classes to help you with parenting. These groups bring together moms and dads who are experiencing pregnancy and find it useful to talk with others going through the same experience. Pregnancy support groups can help relieve the anxiety and stress of pregnancy and parenthood. Registration is easy and can be done by calling 404.501.WELL (9355).

Baby Talk Support Group

This weekly mother-to-mother support group facilitated by a certified lactation consultant that has been supporting and empowering breastfeeding moms for more than 20 years. Baby weight checks are also available. Call 404.501.5787 for more information.

Dr. Bobbie Bailey Tower 3040 Classroom
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033

Infant Bereavement Support Group

For those patients who experience a loss of their infant, please contact Rachel's Gift. This organization sponsors an Infant Loss Support Group at our main hospital campus.

Support Group Day/Time/Location Information
1st Thursday of each month at 7pm
Emory Decatur Hospital 
Medical Women's Center 
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur, Georgia 30033
4th Floor, Classroom 4040
Facilitator: Omi Dobbins

Rachel's Gift Contact Information:
Help Line: 470.278.1956
Email: rachelsgift@icloud.com

Atlanta Aphasia Group

Atlanta Aphasia Group is a support group with general topics lead and presented by a Speech Therapist.
Facilitated by an Emory Decatur Hospital staff member, these groups are open to all survivors of any brain trauma, their families and friends. Parking is free in designated areas.

When: First Saturday of each month | Noon - 1 p.m. (group does not meet in July or December)

Where: Emory Decatur Hospital, Ground Floor
Cafeteria Board Room (across from MembersFirst Credit Union)
2701 North Decatur Road,
Decatur 30033
Phone: 404.501.5140
Fee: Free

Community Conversation Group

This group is held weekly as a chance for people with aphasia (loss of speech) to learn how to practice speaking. Facilitated by an Emory staff member, this group is open to all survivors of any brain trauma, their families and friends. Please bring in your parking ticket to be validated.

When: Thursdays | 10 - 11 a.m.
Where: Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Conference Room
2675 Professional Building (POB) Suite 105 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404.501.5140
Fee: Free

Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Facilitated by a specially trained Speech Pathologist and/or Physical Therapist, this group provides an opportunity to meet other people going through the changes that can occur with Parkinson’s Disease. In this group, we will cultivate new relationships, discuss the challenges of living with Parkinson’s, and share successes and tips to overcome these challenges. Open to all individuals with Parkinson's Disease and care-givers are welcome! Parking is free in designated areas.

When: Last Wednesday of each month | 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
2675 North Decatur Road, Suite 105
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404.501.5140
Fee: Free

Stroke Club

The DeKalb Stroke Club was formed in 1976 by two survivors recognizing the challenges that stroke patients face while struggling with their changing lives. The club gives support to stroke survivors and their family that no other community resource can provide. Facilitated by a staff member, it is open to all stroke survivors, their families and friends. Survivors of any brain trauma and their support systems are also welcome.

Programs are planned to be of interest to everyone. Some programs are educational and others are for entertainment and relaxation. There are no fees or dues.

Place: Cafeteria Board Room, on the ground floor of the Emory Decatur Hospital.
Date(s): 1st Saturday of each month, except July and December.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Info: 404.501.9355

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2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033

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