Traumatic brain injury affects different people in different degrees, but everyone with TBI experiences similar emotions. Dealing with TBI is challenging for both the patient and his or her family, but sharing your experiences with people who have had similar experiences can help. TBI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends and learn more about TBI.

Different TBI support groups have different focuses, so check out several, if possible, to see which one best meets your needs. Some TBI support groups emphasize learning about TBI, while others emphasize offering adaptive recreational opportunities for TBI patients. Some groups have meetings for patients and separate meetings for caregivers and family members, while others invite any one interested in TBI to the same meeting.

We have tried to make the following list as complete as possible. Since support groups change or disband without warning we advise you to call before traveling to the group’s meeting place for the first time. If you cannot find a group in your area, you may wish to start one. Information about starting your own TBI support group can be obtained from the Brain Injury Association of Arkansas:

http://www.brainassociation.org/ e-mail: info@brainassociation.org

Benton:

TBI Support Group

This group meets from 10 am to noon every fourth Friday of the month, except December. Each month a different topic is addressed.

Meeting place:

Timber Ridge Ranch NeuroRestorative Services
15000 Hwy 298
Benton, Arkansas 72015

Contact:

Mike Bell 501-594-8291 or MBell@neurorestorative.com

Website: http://www.neurorestorative.com/trr/news.html

Clarksville:

TBI Support Group

This group meets once a month for lunch at Emerald Dragon Restaurant.

Contact Jim Spragins at 479-890-5751 or jbspragins@ars.state.ar.us for dates and more information.

Fayetteville

TBI Support Group—Sources for Community Independent Living Services, Inc.

Contact this group for date and time of meetings.

Meeting place:

Sources for Community Independent Living Services, Inc.
1918 N Birch Avenue
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Contact:

Sherry Priestaf 479-442-5600 or 1-888-284-7521 or priestaf@arsources.org

Hot Springs

TBI Support Group

Contact Bill Hartley at 501-525-8463 for the place, dates, and times of these meetings.

Jonesboro:

TBI Support Group at HealthSouth

Contact Arlinda Boyd at 870-933-5270 for information on the dates and times of this group’s meetings.
Meeting place:

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
1201 Fleming Ave
Jonesboro, Arkansas

Little Rock:

TBI Support Group at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute

This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 pm.

Meeting place:

Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute
Ground Floor - Therapeutic Recreation Room
Little Rock, Arkansas

Contact:

Diane Gottsponer at 501-202-7047 or Tdgottsp@baptist-health.org

Stroke Support Group

This group which also meets at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute is devoted to people who have suffered brain damage from strokes. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month from 11 am to noon.
Contact:
Michael Inman, Ph.D 501-202-7617 or mpinman@baptist-health.org

Mountain Home:

TBI Support Group

This group meets on the first Saturday of every month from 10 to 11:30 am.

Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Basement/Fellowship Hall
Corner of Hwy 5 South (9th Street) & Cooper Street
Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

Contact:

Dr Vann Smith, Neuropsychologist 870-424-3424

Russellville

TBI Support Group

This group meets once a month for lunch at Ryan’s Steakhouse.

Contact Jim Spragins at 479-890-5751 or jbspragins@ars.state.ar.us for dates and more information.