Burn Survivor Support Groups

We provide ongoing support and education to meet the continuous needs of burn survivors and their families during recovery and throughout their lives.

Outpatient burn and wound care staff members facilitate the burn survivor support group. They provide a comfortable, safe atmosphere, answer questions and help relieve any anxiety related to burn injuries. Participants can assist one another in coping with the struggles, challenges and triumphs associated with continued recovery and community reentry. The group provides a supportive therapeutic environment where survivors can discuss adjustment issues and regain control of their lives.

Each month, different discussion topics help participants understand the stages of their injuries, rehabilitation and recovery. Individuals can gain emotional support and share feelings about the hospital experience and recovery process.

Group members can discuss:

• Practical concerns such as skin care, pressure garments and exercise
• Life changes and how others are coping with similar situations
• Concerns about returning to work, school and the community
• Issues related to body image and image enhancement

Guest speakers may discuss topics such as:

• Cosmetics and makeup
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Worker’s compensation
• Reconstruction options

Throughout the year, group members and their families can participate in activities that promote socialization and community reentry. Burn survivors can reach out to others for peer support and participate in burn camp as counselors and mentors.

Survivors engage in community activities that promote education and public awareness on fire safety, burn prevention and burn survivor support issues. They also have the opportunity to attend the World Burn Congress.