Finding Virtual Support Groups

When finding a website for your needs, there are some concerns that you should have. You will need to make sure that each website follows HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act) standards, and that the information you provide is kept confidential. Sharing your concerns with various support groups is a great way to connect with people and gain support for different types of illnesses. Some support groups that I would recommend are followed:


This is a website that allows patients with cancer to login and receive support and education about different types of cancer. As a patient, you and your family can get real-time education and help. Patient confidentiality is maintained and at the start of each session, you are reminded to be in a private area and only use your first name to keep your posts anonymous.
https://my.mskcc.org/login



This is a Facebook page called Diabetes Support. If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, this could be a good support system to look into. It is created by Deep Dive Media. This support offers healthy recipes, education, and the tips about how to manage diabetes. If you follow them from your personal Facebook account, it is public that you are following them. If you post on their page, it is public. Keep this in mind if you are linking your personal account to this website. https://www.facebook.com/Diabetes-Support-119703998103102/


 If you have the diagnosis of heart failure, this website will help you receive support from other individuals with the same diagnosis. This site helps provide emotional support, advice from others, survivor stories, and more. You can post on this site like a blog and start different discussions of your choosing. When you first register, it asks for basic information like your name, email address, and your current diagnosis. If you are not interested in sharing that information, don’t enroll in this website.
https://supportnetwork.heart.org/connect-with-people-like-me/heart/heart-failure/#registration


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