Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups

Learning to cope with a spinal cord injury may be the biggest challenge ever faced by an SCI patient and his or her family.  It is good to know that you are not alone in such a difficult situation.  SCI support groups provide the opportunity to make friends with people undergoing similar challenges and also offer the opportunity to learn more about SCI and how to deal with it.

Different SCI groups have different focuses.  For example, some groups focus on helping people recently injured cope with their altered lifestyle, while other groups focus on providing recreational activities for people with SCI.  If you have the opportunity, investigate several SCI groups before deciding which you want to join.  Some people may find that they benefit from belonging to more than one group.

We have endeavored to make the following list of SCI groups in Iowa as complete as possible.  Because support groups change or disband without notice, please call ahead to get the group’s latest information before you make a trip to their meeting place.

If you cannot find an SCI group in your area, you may want to consider establishing one.  The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa can offer help on starting your own group. 

Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa
3936 NW Urbandale Drive
Urbandale, Iowa, 50322

Contact:

Tim Ascherl tima@advancedrehabtech.com 515-270-1522
Angie Plager SCIAofIowa@hotmail.com 515-554-9759

The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Association is also helpful: http://enwiscia.tripod.com/index.htm

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids SCI Support Group

This group welcomes anyone affected by SCI. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 7-9 p m.  Meetings include a question and answer session and social time.  Guest speakers are often invited. 

Meeting place:

St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center
1026 A. Ave. N.E.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52403
Contact: Megan Andresen 319-369-7261

Davenport

Quad Cities SCI Support Group

This group meets for socializing on the third Saturday of every month.  About every two months an education event is held.  Please call Caroline or Molly for more information.

Meeting place:

Genesis Medical Center,
West Campus
Davenport, Iowa, 52803

Contact:

Caroline Rasmussen 563-370-5570
Molly Muhl OTR/L 563-421-1480

Des Moines

Mercy SCI Support Group

This group is open to anyone with an SCI as well as their family, friends, and caregivers.  It meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Meeting include social activities, peer support, and informational speakers and programs.

Meeting place:
 
Mercy Capitol
603 E. 12th St.
4th floor Acute Rehab Dining Room.
Des Moines, Iowa, 50309
 
Contact:

Joan Keifer BSW, Social Worker 515-643-0450

Siouxland Committee for the Handicapped

The Siouxland Committee for the Handicapped meets at 11:45am on the third Tuesday of each month.  Please call for more information.

Contact:

712-276-5534

West Burlington

Southeastern Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

Everyone affect by SCI is invited to this group.  It meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Meeting place:

Great River Medical Center
Snake Alley Rehab
1221 S. Gear Ave.
West Burlington, Iowa, 52655

Contact:

Stephanie Gardner 319-768-4200

Omaha, Nebraska

Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa Spinal Cord Injury Association Support Group

This group offers a monthly meeting with education and support for anyone affected by SCI.  It meets on the second Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Meeting place:
Immanuel Medical Center
6901 N 72nd St.
Omaha, Nebraska 68122
402-572-2121

Contact:
402-398-1855 or 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368)
PVA/Education Center

Rehabilitation Family Support Group

This is a weekly support group to help family members cope with what has happened to them as a result of their loved one's disability.   It meets on Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting place:
Immanuel Medical Center
6901 N 72nd St.
Omaha, Nebraska 68122
402-572-2121

Contact:

402-572-2139 or 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368)