Connect with others who share common life experiences as you. Our support groups and programs offer an opportunity to share your story in a safe setting, learn about resources, and participate in educational programming. There is no charge for the group, but registration may be required for some of the meetings. New members and caregivers are always welcome. The meetings are independently managed unless otherwise noted. To register for a support group, visit our events page.
Diabetes Care
Suburban Hospital’s outpatient diabetes education programs provide the foundation and support you need to thrive and live a healthy life. From support group meetings, one-on-one consultations, and/or self-management classes, we have the program that is right for you.
Diabetes Self-Management Training
Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) is an evidence based program that incorporates the needs and goals of people with diabetes into a personalized plan to improve health outcomes. Learn the benefits of DSMT and how to enroll.
Diabetes Symposium
A platform to learn innovative concepts and findings from leading experts in diabetes management and treatment. Offered in the spring.
Diabetes Education Programs
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Learn how diabetes progresses and what essential lifestyle modifications can slow or prevent the onset of diabetes. This class is ideal for anyone diagnosed with pre-diabetes or at-risk of developing diabetes because of family or personal health history.
- Offered quarterly at Suburban Hospital
- 1.5 hour class
- Fee: $20/person
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An evidence-based program designed by The Stanford Patient Education Research Center Stanford Program. This six-week workshop has helped many people living with diabetes by empowering and giving them control to better manage their diabetes. Workshop cover, techniques to deal with fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration.
- Offered twice a year
- Small group format
- 2.5 hours per session |1 session per week
- Free
Diabetes Support Groups
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Designed for people living with T1D or parents with a child with T1D. Participants are encouraged to bring questions or topics for discussion. Meetings are informal. Parents are welcome to bring children and teenagers. Childcare is not available.
- Meets the 4th Wed. of most months
- 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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Facilitated by a Certified Diabetes Educator, the monthly meetings feature guest speakers discussing a variety of topics important for living well with diabetes. Learn strategies, exchange information, and get the support you need to thrive 365 days-a-year.
- Meets monthly, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
- Free and open-to-all
- Open to family members and caregivers
Diabetes Clinic
Mobile Med/NIH Endocrine Clinic at Suburban Hospital- Low Cost Medical Care
On July 2010, Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, inaugurated the MobileMed/NIH Endocrine Clinic at Suburban Hospital. Located in Bethesda, Md., the clinic draws expertise and resources from Mobile Medical Care, Inc., The National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, and Suburban Hospital to create the first endocrine treatment center in the county for low-income and uninsured Montgomery County residents.
One night per week, volunteer endocrinologists, dieticians, nurses, and administrators from the three partner organizations, donate their time so that qualifying patients have access to the very best comprehensive endocrine care, from diagnostic tests to treatment and nutrition counseling, without the financial burden. To learn more, contact Mobile Medical Care, Inc.
Cancer Care
Cancer Support Groups: Breast, Prostate, Head & Neck
Meeting dates and times varies.
On a monthly basis, Suburban Hospital offers meetings to support patients living with breast, prostate and head and neck cancer.
Heart Care
HeartWell
HeartWell is a free health education program designed for seniors to increase awareness about preventative guidelines, symptom recognition and management, medications, blood pressure monitoring, diet and lifestyle enhancements. The program is staffed by Suburban Hospital registered nurse at three senior centers in Montgomery County.
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Suburban Hospital and Montgomery County Senior Programs sponsor the Know Your Numbers program to teach individuals with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic diseases how to manage their symptoms and disease by focusing on education concerning early disease symptom recognition, symptom management, medication, and diet and lifestyle changes. During certain days and hours, you can meet for free with our registered nurses for counseling on the numbers that are important to managing your health. Please see below for locations and times.
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Benjamin Gaither Center
80 Bureau Drive
Gaithersburg, MD
Every Tuesday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PMHoliday Park Senior Center
3950 Ferrara Drive
Wheaton, MD
Every Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PMMargaret Schweinhaut Senior Center
1000 Forest Glen Road
Silver Spring, MD
Every Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM -
Suburban Hospital is committed to providing quality programs and services to promote health and wellness. Whether you have a specific health concern or just want to stay in good health and prevent disease, we have a program for you. Our programming increases awareness, builds important skills, and motivates participants to take charge of their health. Browse through our listing of classes and events.
Blood Pressure Screening Sites
A free service that offers wallet-sized cards to record multiple screenings and disseminates helpful health education. See a complete list of our ongoing blood pressure screenings.
Lung Care
Quitting smoking is hard. Suburban Hospital has teamed up with the American Lung Association and the Montgomery County Cancer Crusade to bring the best quitting resources to our community. Are you ready to commit to quit smoking? We are here to support you through the quitting process.
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This evidence-based program provides you with tools you will need to quit successfully in a supportive environment over a seven-week period. You will be provided with a step-by-step plan where you will gain the skills and techniques needed to take control of your behavior. The Freedom from Smoking program has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking for over 35 years – and it can help you, too!
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Want to quit, but you don’t have the time to attend a class? Break your addiction from tobacco and get the support you need whenever and wherever through this online cessation course. With support from an online community and American Lung Association tobacco cessation counselors, get ready to quit and learn short-and long-term strategies for avoiding relapse and staying smoke-free. The perfect resource for a person who is on the go. Kick the habit today.
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A patient-centered and community-based club that supports those individuals with chronic lung disease including COPD, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Topics include medication management, available medical trials for people with COPD and breathing exercises.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Family Caregiver Support Group
Meets the Second Tuesday of every month | 6:45 p.m. − 8:15 p.m.
S is a rare disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves. This group is for family caregivers of people with MS — spouses, partners, siblings, adult children, parents. Call 202-296-5363 or email [email protected] for details.
Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Meets the Third Saturday of every month | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Also known simply as MG, myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular disorder. Connect with other individuals living with MG and/or caregivers of MG patients. Call Bill DeLarenzo at 301-384-1229 for details.
Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjögren's ("SHOW-grins") is a chronic autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack the moisture-producing glands. The support group provides Sjögren's Syndrome patients and family members with an opportunity to learn more about the disease, symptom management and emotional support.
You may also email Bonnie Schneider at [email protected] and include Sjogren's in the subject line of the email for more information.
Stroke Support Group for Survivors and Caregivers
Meets the First Tuesday of every month | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
A social-worker facilitated session presented by the Bethesda Chapter of the Montgomery County Stroke Association. Please visit mcstroke.org or call the MCSA hotline at 301-681-6272 for details.
Browse through programs and register for an upcoming session. Search Classes & Events