Do you have Huntington’s disease in your family? Do you provide care for someone with HD? Do you have symptoms of HD or are you at risk? Would you like to meet other people who have been affected by HD? Are you interested in learning strategies to help you deal with HD?
Support can range from simply lending a helping hand to learning self-care, resources, and stress management. A support group is also a place for people to share concerns and obtain emotional support. Attending a support group may be a difficult decision, one that may open many doors and offer connections.
San Diego in-person suport groups include groups for people affected by HD and caregivers. Each group is led by a facilitator. Speakers such as healthcare professionals, legal experts, and housing and placement specialists may also be invited to speak.
If you are not currently on our support group mailing list and would like to be, please email Nichole Mendoza at nmendoza@hdsa.org.
Here are our support groups options:
In-person meeting: HD Positive Group and Caregivers Group (meet at the same location and time)
Online, California HD Positive Group
Online, Southern California Caregivers Support Group
Online, California HD Bereavement Video Support Group
Online, Southern California General Group for HDSA Members
IN-PERSON HD POSITIVE GROUP & CAREGIVERS GROUP SAN DIEGO AREA
When: last Tuesday of each month, 5-6:30 pm. Refreshments and socializing FROM 5-530 pm. Meeting is from 530-630 pm.
Jan 31, Feb exception: moved to March 1, March exceptin: March 29, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25, Aug 29, Sept 26, Oct 31, Nov 28, Dec 26
Where: Pfizer Campus,10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
Directions: From San Diego International Airport. Follow signst to I-5 North for approximately 10 miles. Exit I-5 at Genessee AVe and make a left at the stop light. Make a right at the second stop litch which is Science Center Drive.
CALIFORNIA HD PERSON ONLINE VIDEO SUPPORT GROUP
Who: We invite all persons with HD Symptoms to join this support group which will include participants across Southern California. Come join us to connect with other HD persons and discuss triumphs, challenges, ask questions, and get support from others that know what having HD is like! If you live outside California, but receive HD care in CA, you are welcome to attend.
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, noon-130 pm
Jan 17, Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug 15, Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Click her to register. (You only need to register once. Once you register, you may join as often as is comoftable for you.)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAREGIVERS ONLINE VIDEO SUPPORT GROUP
Who: We invite all persons who are caregivers to individuals with HD to join this support group which will include participants across Southern California. Come join us to connect with other Caregivers and learn from one another's experiences. To register, email sreynolds@hdsa.org
When: Third Sunday of each month, 5-6 pm
Jan 15, Feb 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17
Who: This support group is open to any persons (18 & over), living in CA that are grieving the loss of an HD loved one. Often it is hard for others to understand or relate to the grief and loss our HD families experience and our hope is this group can provide a safe platform to openly discuss all aspects of grief/loss associated with the death of an HD loved one. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~Author Unknown
Facilitators: Amy Slavin (HDSA Center of Excellence at UCLA), Susan Reynolds (OC and San Diego HDSA Social Worker), Elle Tadina (HDSA Center of Excellence at Northern California Kaiser)
For more information, please email sreynolds@hdsa.org. To register, click here.
When: 4th Tuesday of each month, noon-130 pm
Jan 24, Feb 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug 22, Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 28, Dec 26
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GENERAL GROUP FOR HDSA MEMBERS
Who: All persons who are living with HD, at risk for HD, or caring for someone with HD. To register, email sreynolds@hdsa.org.
When: 2nd Sunday of each month, 5-6 pm
Jan 8, Feb 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, Dec 10
What makes an effective support group? Involvement from the HD community, people spreading the word about the group, willingness to participate in a group setting and share experiences, and cooperation and collaboration among members
What are some benefits of a support group? Meeting others familiar with the effects of HD, caregiving strategies, self-help strategies, knowledge about reliable community care and resources.
We hope to see you at our next meeting!