Patients know that the doctors can’t meet all the demands of their chronic condition. They can’t help you follow through on daily goals to eat healthy food, get physically active, take medications, or deal with the stresses of life. But there is often help in your community to support you in meeting your goals.

Here are just a few ideas for where to look for helpful programs in your community:

Churches and other faith-based organizations give practical, emotional and spiritual support. They may also hold exercise programs, healthy living classes, and provide volunteer opportunities.

Public schools may provide free educational programs for parents and other adult community members in the evening.

Senior centers may provide good meals, cooking classes, exercise classes, support groups, and other healthy activities. Some hold self-management training classes that help you manage your condition.

Support Groups are great sources of information and emotional support. Group members may also give each other practical help and become friends. You can find support groups on the Internet, from an organization that deals with your illness, from your doctor’s office (maybe even from a patient in the waiting room), hospital, church, or library. 

Libraries – may have health books and magazines and may provide access to the Internet. Don’t be afraid to ask the librarians for help!

Civic clubs (like Kiwanis and Lions’ Clubs) often provide low-cost meals. They may not always be the healthiest, but you can work with them to improve their food choices. Maybe your health care provider would help in this effort. If wanted, you can have social contact by eating at a club.

Disease-related groups include groups like the Diabetes Association, Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Arthritis Foundation. They may offer services in your area. They may provide education, counseling, health information, self-management training, support groups, referrals, and more.

Community activists often take on health issues. Two examples are the Health Conductors, a self-care program operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Black United Fund and the Chicago Southeast Diabetes Coalition. Another is Latino Health Access, which holds classes and promotes healthier environments in Santa Ana, California. There may be such groups in your community.

For suggestions on how to find resources in your community, click here.