Medical Notes: Oct. 20, 2025

Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Prevent Suicide

AGAWAM – Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and the 16th leading cause of death in Massachusetts. It is also the second-leading cause of death for individuals ages15-34, yet suicide can often be prevented.

Volunteers from western Massachusetts are joining the thousands of people who are gathering this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention. The annual Greater Springfield Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Foundation – Massachusetts Chapter will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.) at School Street Park.

This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey.

Youth Grief Support Program

WILBRAHAM – Rick’s Place provides free, peer grief support groups for youth (ages 5-18) and their caregivers. Rick’s Place offers young people and their families a place to remember their loved ones and to avoid the sense of isolation that such losses can produce Rick’s Place was established in 2007, in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11. This is for young people and their families from all over Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and offered at no charge. To participate in these free grief support programs provided by Rick’s Place, email info@ricksplacema.org or call 413-279-2010.

Virtual support groups for patients and families facing cancer

PALMER – Cancer support groups – led by Camille St. Onge, oncology social worker for Baystate Health – will be offered in the coming months. Support groups are designed to help patients, their families, and caregivers cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Groups offered included: General Cancer Support Group: 1st Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Partners in Caregiving, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Expressive writing through Cancer, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Breast Cancer Support group, 4th Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All meetings are currently being held virtually and are made possible through funds raised by the Walk of Champions. For more information, contact St. Onge at 413-239-7239 or email cstomagin@gmail.com

NAMI online/phone support group

HOLYOKE – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WM) of Western Massachusetts would like to inform the public that the NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups have resumed in a virtual format.

Mondays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Access online with zoom: https://us02web.zom.us/j/88206475051; access by phone, 646-558-8656, meeting ID: 88206475051.

Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Access online with zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82690755017; access by phone, 646-558-8656, meeting ID 82690755017. For more information, contact the office or go to namiwm.org/support.

For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Wednesdays, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. For more information email: triciafitz7@gmail.com.

Shiloh SDA Church and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-WM) of Western Massachusetts announces a new Family and Friends Support group for black and brown communities. The Black & Brown Family & Friends Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month. A Zoom link will be provided for participants. For more information, contact the NAMI-WM office at 413-786-9139 or email information@namiwm.org.

A diagnosis is not required to attend any group. Anyone with mental health condition is welcome to attend any group without prior registration.

NAMI – Western Massachusetts Family Support Group

GREENFIELD – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts announces that their Family Support Group in Greenfield is resuming in person. The group meets monthly on the last Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clinical Support Options (CSO), 296 Federal Street, across from Sandri’s Gas Station.

In NAMI Family Support Groups, families join a caring group of individuals helping one another by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned wisdom. Family members can achieve a renewed sense of hope for their loved one living with mental health challenges. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone can be heard and get what they need: free, confidential, and safe; designed for adult loved ones of people with mental health conditions; led by family members of people with mental health conditions; no specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed. For more information, contact the NAMI-WM office at 413-786-9139 or information@namiwm.org.

MJD Support Group

LUDLOW – The Michael J. Dias Foundation provides education, area resources, peer support, and hope for family members and friends coping with a loved one with a substance use disorder. A support group gathers on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Center, 438 Winsor St. anyone needing support is welcome to attend. Masks are required and guests will be seated six feet apart. If you have any questions, contact Maureen at 413-563-6226..

Grief support group

CHICOPEE – Saint Rose de Lima Grief Support Group meets every Monday except major holidays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This free weekly grief support group is for people who have experienced the loss of a spouse, partner, family member or friend. All are welcome. The group meets at Saint Rose de Lima Pastoral Center, 15 Chapel St.

Online Stroke Support Group

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield College Occupational Therapy (OT) Department offers a free weekly support group for people living with stroke and their caregivers. The group meets in a virtual format on Zoom every Thursday from 3 to 4:00 p.m. Facilitated by Kathy Post, Professor Emeritus, with the assistance of 1 or 2 OT graduate students, the group provides opportunities to meet other stroke survivors from western Massachusetts, and to share challenges, successes, questions, and resources. For further information and the link to the meetings, email Kathy at kpost@springfieldcollege.edu

Narcotics Anonymous

AGAWAM – To find a local Narcotics Anonymous support group, visit NERNA.ORG or WesternMassNA.org or call 866-NA-HELP-U.

Survivors of Suicide Loss

EAST LONGMEADOW – Survivors of Suicide Loss, a support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets on the 3rd Monday of each month (except in the event of severe weather) at the Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA from 6:30 PM to 8 PM. This is a peer-facilitated group. The meetings are open, meaning new members are always welcome. Preregistration is not required.

Free accessible broadcast readings

SPRINGFIELD – Free 24/7 accessible local news and information is available from Valley Eye Radio for those in the Pioneer Valley no longer able to read independently due to visual and other medical and physical challenges. Contact them at www.valleyeyeradio.org or (413) 747-7337 for details on how to listen from one of their special radios or through their website, smart speakers, cable access channel, or mobile phone..

Holyoke Medical Center to host an ongoing Cancer Support group

HOLYOKE – Holyoke Medical Center will host an ongoing Cancer Support Group for community members and/or caregivers dealing with cancer. The group will meet in the Fran Como Conference Room of Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech Street, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the following date Nov. 13.

Holyoke Medical Center will provide a safe place for active and surviving cancer patients, families, and caregivers to share thoughts and feelings with others dealing with similar concerns and emotions.

The Holyoke Medical Center Cancer Support Group offers a light meal, along with education, activities, as well as facilitation of discussion around a variety of topics. Open feedback from support group members is encouraged, and a survey is provided at every group meeting to enhance future meetings.

Participants are asked to please register in advance to ensure that enough food and materials are available for all. Please RSVP by calling 413-534-2520.

Family-to-Family Education Program

HOLYOKE – NAMI Western Massachusetts is pleased to offer their NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program in person, starting Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. It is a designated evidenced-based program. This means that research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to a person with a mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there and includes presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. Pre-Registration is required. For more information contact: Bonnie Pueschel at 413-426-7644 BpishL21@gmail.com or visit: namiwm.org/support.

New Virtual Peer Support Groups

ONLINE – GPS is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to providing peer-led support programs for individuals navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, postpartum adjustment, caregiving, and other life transitions. Our trained facilitators with lived experience help participants connect, share strategies, and build resilience—complementing clinical care with community-based support. The programs are all virtual.

GPS for the Black Community: GPS hosts a free support group for people who identify as Black. Participants come together to share challenges and joys, speak boldly, and show their full selves in a safe, supportive space. The group meets Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST. All who identify as Black are welcome. To register, email info@gpsgroup.org or visit www.gpsgroup.org.

GPS for Everyone – Stronger Together: This open support group welcomes anyone seeking peer support. Topics may include challenges faced by healthcare workers, parents, those with illness, or experiences tied to identity and current events. The group meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. EST. All are welcome. To register, email info@gpsgroup.org or visit www.gpsgroup.org.

GPS for People in Recovery: Designed for those in recovery, this free group provides a confidential space to talk about experiences you may not discuss elsewhere. Meetings are facilitated by people with lived experience. The group meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST. All who identify as being in recovery are welcome. To register, email info@gpsgroup.org or visit www.gpsgroup.org.

Más Fuertes Juntas – Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres Latinas: This Spanish-language support group, created by and for Latinas, provides a safe space to share experiences, connect, and feel heard without judgment. Each session includes respectful listening, self-care tools, and validation of personal experiences. The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST (4 to 5:30 p.m. PST). To register, email info@gpsgroup.org or visit www.gpsgroup.org.