Maine Medical Center
Two women hug at a support group meeting

Support Groups | MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

You are not alone

Support groups can help you cope with a new diagnosis, chronic condition or loss of a loved one. They are also a safe space to discuss personal health goals and challenges. Learn more about MaineHealth-sponsored support groups and other community meetings in Southern Maine.

Support Groups

  • Dempsey Center Support Groups: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center partners with the Dempsey Center to offer programs and services designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by cancer. All services are offered at no cost to participants. For more information, call 207-774-2200 (South Portland), 207-795-8250 (Lewiston) or visit www.dempseycenter.org.
  • Brain Tumor Support: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 3 - 4:30 pm. Call 207-662-1539 for more information.
  • Gay Men's Prostate Cancer Support Group: The group is open to gay and bisexual men and their partners and friends. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 6 – 7:30 pm. Learn more.
  • Gynecological & Breast Cancer Group: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 6 -7:30 pm. Call 207-774-2200 for more information.
  • Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30 - 7 pm. Call 207-396-7781 for more information.
  • Cancer Peer Support Group: Meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 4 -5 pm at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, 1 Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, ME in Classroom 1. Pre-Registration not required. Call 207-294-5839 or email marguerite.belanger@mainehealth.org for more information.
  • Cancer Survivor Support Group: Meets on the first and third Friday of each month 3:30 - 5 pm at MaineHealth Cancer Care and IV Therapy - 27 Industrial Avenue, Sanford, ME 04073. For more information please call 207-459-1666 or email jessica.welch@mainehealth.org.
  • Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group: Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7 pm at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, 1 Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, Webber Building, 2nd floor Conference Room. For more information, please call 207-283-7805.

For more information about MaineHealth cancer support and resources, please contact one of our cancer patient navigators.

  • ICD Patient Forum: A support group for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and their families. The ICD Patient Forum provides encouragement and education so patients can lead the fullest life possible with an ICD. Meetings feature guest speakers and the opportunity to connect with other ICD patients and family members. For more information, and to register, please call 207-303-1600.
  • Mended Hearts - Cardiac Support Group: Meets on the first Thursday of most months at 6 pm. The Mended Hearts, Inc. Greater Portland Chapter 339
  • Parents of Children with Congenital Heart Defects:  Call 207-662-2273 for more information.
  • Stem Cell Transplant Information and Support: Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6 pm. Call 207-662-3805 for more information.
  • AllPaths Family Building offers more than 20 free, virtual peer support groups each month, covering a wide range of fertility and family building topics. Learn more.
  • Survivors of Suicide of Family Members or Friends: 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at 6 pm. Call 207-409-6226 or email soslossgroup@gmail.com for more information.
  • Healing Together: A support group for those who have terminated a pregnancy due to fetal or maternal complications. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month, 6 -7:30 pm. Call 207-662-6523 for more information.
  • Grieving Still: A support group for those who have experienced a miscarriage or fetal death. Meets 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 -7:30 pm. Call 207-662-6523 for more information.

Learn more about grief support services in your community.

  • ALS Support Group: Monthly group open to anyone with a diagnosis of ALS and their caregivers. Topics include disease management, grant information and other resources. Participants are welcome to chat about their diagnosis, day-to-day life, experiences and more. Contact darby.mcmillen@als.org for more information.
  • Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Support Group: Meets the last Thursday of each month from 6 - 7 pm. Learn more.
  • MaineHealth Brain Aneurysm Support Group: For more information, contact Deb Gregoire.
  • MaineHealth Brain Tumor Support Group: For more information, contact Sara Cox.
  • MaineHealth Epilepsy Support Group: For more information, contact Kristine Binette.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5:30 - 7 pm. Call 207-883-1414 for more information.