St. Luke's Hospital offers a variety of support groups to help patients and their families cope with illness, loss and recovery. All support groups are free. But, please call to confirm meeting dates, times and locations.

This group, affiliated with the American Lung Association, meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 pm. Members share their experiences, knowledge, ideas and strengths to improve the quality of each others' lives. Adults who suffer from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer and other respiratory problems are invited to attend. Many members bring a spouse, other family members and caregivers with them. For more information, call 419-897-8449.

Those who undergo LAP-BAND surgery are encouraged to attend monthly support group meetings to help adjust to the procedure and meet others who are experiencing similar lifestyle changes and challenges. Loved ones are invited also. The group meets at St. Luke's Hospital at 6 pm on the second Monday of each month. For information, call 419-893-5591.

This prostate cancer support group, affiliated with the American Cancer Society, provides an opportunity for men dealing with prostate cancer to talk openly about their concerns with others also facing the disease and health care professionals. It meets at 1 pm at St. Luke's Hospital on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call 419-893-5921.

This program, affiliated with the American Heart Association, is a group for those who have heart disease. It meets at St. Luke's Hospital at 7:30 pm on the third Thursday of most months. Upcoming meetings will be held at St. Luke's Hospital at 5:30 pm on Thursdays, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17 and Sept. 18. For more information, call 419-478-3008.

This group creates an opportunity to talk with other sleep apnea sufferers and learn more about the disorder from health care professionals. It meets quarterly at 7 pm at St. Luke’s Hospital. The next meetings will be held Tuesdays; Feb. 26, May 27, Aug. 26 and Nov. 18. For more information, call the Sleep Disorder Center at 419-897-8490.

For many tobacco users, especially those who have tried to quit before, group support can make the difference in helping to stay smoke free. This tobacco-cessation support group for smokers at every stage of quitting meets every Tuesday from 7 - 8 pm at the St. Luke's Hospital Tobacco Treatment Center, 5757 Monclova Road, in the conference room across from Suites 23 and 24. For more information, call 419-893-QUIT (7848).