There are over 4 million people in the United States who have survived a stoke or brain attack and are living with the after-effects. Additionally, there are spouses, children, and parents who live with and care for stroke survivors who are greatly affected by stroke because of their own altered lifestyle. Ten percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely. Twenty-five percent recover with minor impairments. Forty percent experience moderate to severe impairments requiring special care, and 10 percent require the care of a long-term care facility. Caring for a stroke survivor can be stressful. Often the caregiver is concerned that his/her loved one will have another stroke. Accepting the changes caused by the stroke may be difficult. Friends and extended family often are unsure how to relate to the stroke survivor and isolation may occur for both the stroke survivor and the caregiver. After surviving a stroke, many of these survivors and families look for a support group to help with moving forward. Natchez Regional Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Unit is accredited by the Commisssion for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). It is designed to help patients regain the greatest level of functional independence possible through physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and rehabilitation nursing. Towards this goal, the Rehabilitation Unit is sponsoring a support group to help stroke survivors, families, and caregivers socialize, gain realistic feedback, and share information. It will be a time to talk among people who know what you are going through along the path of recovery. On October 18, 2007, Natchez Regional Medical Center will host the first organizational meeting for stroke survivors, families, and caregivers. The meeting will be held in the Cypress Room on the 1 st floor of the hospital from noon to 1p.m. Sandwiches and soup will be provided. This first meeting is an educational meeting hosted by the 5 th floor Rehabilitation Unit staff. The topic will be “Stroke Recovery Scorecard.” Additionally, we will discuss options for organization of the group and the format for future meetings. Anyone interested in participating may contact Pat Jonaitis at 601-443-2550 for directions or more information. Stroke recovery is a lifelong process. There are moments of great achievement and times of setbacks. You are not alone in this journey. Please join with fellow stroke survivors, families, and caregivers in our community and support each other along the way.