Virtua Forms Support Group For Coronavirus Patients, Survivors

South Jersey residents who are battling the coronavirus and those who have recovered from the virus now have a support group they can join, according to Virtua Health officials.

Virtua social workers will lead the Virtua COVID-19 Patient Support Group, which will meet online through Zoom. There will be five sessions, beginning on Sept. 3, noon to 1 p.m. Meetings will be held every other Thursday.

Gina Pimentel is the Virtua social-work manager who organized the group. Research shows that patient support groups help people cope with their condition, she noted.

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“COVID-19 can be very challenging both physically and emotionally, so a support group is very important for these patients. It’s a very isolating illness, there are still many unknowns, and symptoms can continue for months,” Pimentel said. “This group will give people a voice and enable them to connect with others who are going through similar things. It will help people deal with the effects of this illness and feel less alone.”

Pimentel said isolation can help trigger depression and anxiety. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar to symptoms of the coronavirus, including shortness of breath and exhaustion.

“It’s very scary for people, so a support group can really help,” Pimentel said.

In order to promote engaged conversation and ongoing relationships, the group will be kept to a limited number of participants. If there is enough interest, a second group may be formed, Pimentel said.

In South Jersey’s tri-county area where Virtua operates, more than 18,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus.

“We strive to be an ongoing partner in people’s health, and this is another way to do that,” Pimentel said.

Other Virtua support groups include post-partum, cancer survivorship, smoking cessation, and bariatric (weight-loss) surgery groups. All meetings are online due to the pandemic.

To register for the Virtua COVID-19 Patient Support Group, email ACSupport@virtua.org. There will be a short survey to complete, and registrants must provide an email address in order to receive the Zoom link.

Space is limited, and qualified registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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