After an Illinois motor vehicle accident resulting in a spinal cord injury, joining a support group

Benefits to joining a good spinal cord injury support group.

Support groups help with adjusting to many life changes including a serious spinal cord injury. Equally important, caregivers, family members, and friends should be encouraged to seek out support groups of their own.

The mental and emotional toll that a spinal cord injury places on the injured individuals and friends and family are immense. While there are many support groups already in existence, starting your own group is also an option.

The following is an overview regarding starting your own spinal cord injury support group, as outlined by the National Spinal Cord Injury Association Resource Center:

1. Align yourself with other people also interested in starting the group. 

2. Determine how often you would like your group to meet.

3. Find a location to hold your meetings.

4. Outline a goal, or mission statement, of the organization.

5. Spread the word about the new group. Utilize media, word-of-mouth, and referrals to spread your message. 

6. Before the first meeting, consider the format of how you would like it to go. 

7. Keep an updated mailing list with the names, phone numbers, and addresses of members.

8. Seek out assistance from individuals experienced in running meetings.

9. Look for medical information from local hospitals that can be shared with members.

10. Research books, videos, or movies dealing with spinal cord injuries that can be used during the meetings.

For more information about Illinois support groups, contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney by filling out our online form or calling our office at (847) 651-7191.