Hi-Desert Medical Center Support Groups 

Whether you’ve lost a loved one or need help managing your diabetes, you can gain strength and guidance from a group of people sharing similar experiences.

Below, you’ll find groups that meet in the Morongo Basin, many in the Helen Gray Education Center located on the Hi-Desert Medical Center campus.

For transportation to and from these support groups, contact Reach Out Morongo Basin, a nonprofit organization, to schedule your ride in advance.

Bereavement Support Group

Hi-Desert Hospice hosts a bereavement support group for those whose loved ones have died. Each meeting provides a safe, comfortable setting to navigate through the difficulties that often accompany the death of a loved one. Together, we will explore and discover the most helpful ways to live with grief. Meetings are facilitated by Gloria Beetle, BSW, Hospice Social Worker: (760) 366-6427. 

Meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month:

Better Breathers Support Group

Are you a former smoker who experiences shortness of breath with exertion? Have you been diagnosed with pulmonary issues (COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)? Consider joining the Better Breathers group on the first Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in the Helen Gray Education Center. Reserved parking available.

Quit Smoking Classes

Our six-week smoking cessation class series, held in the Helen Gray Education Center, is open to our employees and the public free of charge.

"This smoking cessation program is unique in that it recognizes no two smokers are alike,” says Stan Joyce, RPT, RPFT, director of cardiopulmonary at Hi-Desert Medical Center. “We work together to figure out why we smoke and what triggers the urge to light up. The group atmosphere also helps us build a support network to stay committed to quit."

For more information, please call the 24 hour reservation line at (760) 366-6182; to register, or visit our Classes & Events page to register online.

The Compassionate Friends: Supporting Family After a Child Dies

When a child dies, the whole world seems to be shrouded with darkness. Whether experiencing excruciating emotional pain or debilitating numbness, the journey of grief is difficult to navigate.

The Morongo Basin Chapter of The Compassionate Friends invites you to consider using this monthly support meeting to help you manage your own unique journey. You’ll meet new friends who understand your pain because they have experienced it. And you’ll find practical help on how to deal with grief and progress toward recovery. Parents of all ages who have lost a child of any age are welcome.

The group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Helen Gray Education Center. For more information, contact Kristin Martin, chapter leader at (760) 250-7295. Learn more about the national organization of The Compassionate Friends.

Diabetic Support

Hi-Desert Medical Center hosts free diabetes education classes for newly diagnosed diabetes patients or for those who feel they could benefit from a review of basis diabetes management. 

A registered dietitian provides relevant tools and information on such topics as:

Join us at 11 a.m. on the first four Tuesdays of the month in the Helen Gray Education Center. If you have questions, please call the 24 hour reservation line at (760) 366-6182.