Donate Blood. Inova Blood Donor Services is open weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at its main location at 3289 Woodburn Road in Annandale. To inquire about appointments at a convenient donor center or blood drive, call 1-866-BLOOD SAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood.
Other Inova blood donation sites are:
* Inova Alexandria Hospital
4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Va.
703-504-3500
Hours: Monday and Wednesday; noon-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
* Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, Va.
703-664-7229
Hours: Monday-Thursday; 4-7 p.m.
* CentreMed, Centreville, Va.
703-322-1970
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; noon-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing free bereavement support groups:
General Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Widow/widower Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursday of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
Suicide Survivors Bereavement Support Group. For anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org for more information on any of these support groups.
Advanced Relaxation and Imagery Techniques. Friday, April 30, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Past participants of the Relaxation and Imagery series can attend this series to incorporate various techniques for relaxation, imagery and meditation. Registration appreciated. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. On Wednesday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m., family members can discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. At Inova Fairfax Women's Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use the Blue parking garage.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 1 p.m., at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. The next meeting is May 8. Shaan Suleman, D.C., will speak on Chiropractic Physical Therapy to Help Arthritis & Fibromyalgia at the April 8 meeting. For more information call the Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800. Ext.3026.
Suicide Survivors Support. A suicide survivors bereavement support group meets the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is May 4, at 7:30 p.m. at HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale. Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
Good Grief for Children, 5-12 years old. Mondays, through May 31, 5-6 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Eight-week program of group activities and art therapy for children going through the grief process. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Children's Educational Support Program. Wednesdays, through June 2, 5:15-6:15. Discussion and activities group for children 5-12 who are learning to cope with someone in the family having cancer. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Weight management. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Thursdays. at 6:45 p.m., at Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax. For more details, call 202-622-6042 or visit www.TOPS.org.
Good Grief Bereavement Group. Tuesdays, through June 8, 7:15-9 p.m., join others who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last two years for this eight-week seminar. Discussion topics include the process of grief; accepting and expressing emotions; dealing with children, families and friends; role and lifestyle change; coping with special dates; and community resources. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Registration Necessary; call to receive all forms, 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
Ukranian Easter Eggs. On Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B, learn to make Ukranian Easter eggs by applying wax and dyes. Materials provided. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org by April 19.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Thursday, April 22, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by April 20. For information, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
After the First Year. Thursday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Drop in on this monthly group for people who have lost a loved one to cancer more than one year ago. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
BMT/Stem Cell Support Group. On Thursday, April 22, 12:30-1 p.m., this monthly meeting, open to past, current and upcoming bone marrow transplant and/or stem cell transplant patients and caregivers meets at Fairfax-Northern VA Hem-Onc, 8503 Arlington Blvd. #320, Fairfax. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Pilates Class. Orchid Pagoda, 8626 Lee Highway, Suite 200, Fairfax, offers a free introduction to Pilates mat class. Introduction classes are from April 24-May 8, on Mondays at 7:30 p.m., or Saturdays at 11 a.m. For reservations call 703-207-9120.
Cellular Immune Therapy for Blood Cancers. On Tuesday, April 27, 7-9 p.m., Aaron P. Rappaport, MD, associate professor of medicine, director of gene/medicine lymphoma at University of Maryland School of Medicine and medical oncologist at Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore, who has special interests in hematological malignancies and blood and marrow transplantation will present. Register by Friday, April 23. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. To register, call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Education for Medicare from the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Service (CMS) presents a Medicare Information Workshop on Tuesday, April 27, at 10 a.m., at the Village Square Theatre at Greenspring, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Springfield. This free event is open to the public via RSVP. Anyone interested in attending should call 703 923-4690 to reserve seating. This event is sponsored through U.S. Rep. Tom Davis’ (R-11th) Office of Constituent Services.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. On Wednesday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m., meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room B. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.org.
United Ostomy Association, Inc., Northern Virginia Chapter hosts its Annual Ostomy Products and Services Fair on Sunday, May 2, 1:30-3 p.m., at Physicians' Conference Center, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. The fair features major ostomy supplies manufacturers' reps showing their latest products; product displays and samples; door prizes & raffles; free refreshments; much more. For more information, call 703-802-3457.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy group meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church. The next meeting is May 5. For more details call 703-425-6660. Free
Dr. Pavel Klein, director of the Mid-Atlantic Epilepsy & Sleep Center, presents Genetics and Epilepsy discussion, on Wednesday May 12 at 7:30 p.m., at the Falls Church High School, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Room 100, Falls Church. For more details call 703-425-6660.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly group meeting. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call for information at 703-698-2841. Visit www.lifewithcancer.com.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. A certified lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor facilitates discussions about physical and emotional concerns. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. Teenagers 13-18 years old who have lost a family member to cancer are invited to have dinner and share thoughts and feelings about the loss to help the grief process. Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. To register, call Jenny Eckert at 703-208-5623.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. Life with Cancer Family Center, Suite 203, Room B, 2832 Juniper St., in the Merrifield area. This is the continuation of an eight-week series utilizing group activities and art therapy through which children can share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. Join fellow lung cancer patients and family members to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. 703-698-2841, www.lifewithcancer.com.
Social Skills/Therapy Group. In small groups, children who have difficulty in social situations because of ADHD or other challenges learn appropriate social behaviors such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Classes are $55-$65 a session and may be insurance-reimbursable. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Parkinson's Programs. An exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's Disease meets weekday mornings at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. Instructor is Anne Martin. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For class schedule and more information, call the Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
A Fairfax support group for individuals with Parkinson's meets on the third Thursday of the month, at 2 p.m., at the Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients and family members. No charge. For more information, call Leon at 202-966-4450.
A Parkinson's Disease exercise class meets weekly at 10 a.m., at Little River Glen Senior Center, 4001 Barker Court, Fairfax. No charge; patients and family members welcome. For class schedule and more information, call the Senior Center at 703-503-8703.
A Springfield Parkinson's group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, at 2 p.m., at Greenspring Village, 7400 Spring Village Drive, Town Center Building, Springfield. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes PD patients, family members and care partners. No charge. For more information, call Michel Margosis at 703-569-2630.
Divorce/Separation Group. Middle school boys and girls meet weekly to discuss issues related to their parents’ separation/divorce. One meeting for parents. Thursdays; time and date to be announced. Sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, second floor. To register, call 703-204-9100.
Young Widowhood Support Group. A support group for persons under the age of 50 who have been widowed two years or less, meets the second and fourth Monday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at The Washington Regional Transplant Consortium, 8110 Gatehouse Road, Suite 101, W., Falls Church. It is an open group with an open agenda each meeting. Persons can join any time throughout the year, but it is important to register. Free of charge/free parking. RSVP to Lisa Colaianni or Maureen Balderston at 703-641-0100.
TLC: Teens Living with Cancer. Monthly social activities for 13 to 18-year-olds who have cancer give them a chance to meet others with cancer, share a little have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St. Call 703-698-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group. Meets the third Monday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m., at Manor Care of Fair Oaks, 12475 Lee Jackson Highway. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and care giving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit. Call Anita Newsome, group leader, at 703- 352-7172 prior to attending for the first time.
Melanoma Meeting. This fall, the Life with Cancer Inova Health System Program will start a meeting for individuals with melanoma. Call to indicate interest or for more information: 703-698-2841. Visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief for Children. Children 5-12 years old meet in age-appropriate groups for activities and art therapy. Children can express feelings to help with the grief process. Group forming. Call Jenny Eckert, MSW, at 703-208-5623.
Good Grief for Teenagers Ages 13-18. Meetings on Mondays to be decided, 7:30-8:30 p.m., at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, room B. Through group activities and art therapy, teens can share thoughts and feelings about their loss to help with the grief process. Call 703-698-2841 for information and upcoming group schedule, or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Financial Aid. Program offers people up to $5,500 a year to help pay for chemotherapeutic medication, transportation and blood work associated with cancer treatment to those with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood-related cancers. To get an application for the program, call 703-960-1100, Ext. 231, 1-888-576-6878, or e-mail singers@dc-cap.leukemia-lymphoma.org.
Parent-to-Parent. A support group for parents of young children with special needs, co-sponsored by Jewish Social Service Agency and the Board of Jewish Education, Northern Virginia. Fourth Friday of every month at a location to be announced. $65/individual, $90/couple for entire series, $10/session for drop-ins. 301-255-1944.
The Epilepsy Foundation is sponsoring on-going support groups and classes in Fairfax County; Washington, D.C. and Prince William County. Free. For information, call 703-425-6660.
New Mom's Group. Meets at Inova Fairfax Hospital Women's Center, 7 South Dayroom, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. New mom and baby topics and concerns, including breast-feeding. Experienced maternal-infant nurse/lactation consultant facilitates the group discussions. Weekly prize drawing. Complimentary parking, baby weight check, refreshments and resource information. Ongoing, Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. For the convenience of new moms, no preregistration needed. $5/session. Call 703-204-6455.
Parents of Children with Epilepsy. A support group for parents of children of all ages diagnosed with seizure disorders, meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7-8 p.m., at the Braddock supervisor's office in the meeting room, 9002 Burke Lake Road. For more information, call Dana Douglas at 703-425-6660.
The Caregivers Meeting. Weekly drop-in group for family members and friends of those with cancer to discuss various concerns. Wednesdays, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Inova Fairfax Hospital in the Radiation Oncology Conference Room. Use the blue garage. 703-698-2841 or visit lifewithcancer.org.
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups. Facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. For schedules, call 1-866-259-0042.
Burke/Springfield/Fairfax Compassionate Friends Support Group. Friendship and understanding to families grieving the death of a child. The support group meets monthly at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5222 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, at 7:30 p.m. Call 703-425-9504.
Birth Mother’s Support Group. Meets weekly in Northern Virginia. It is for any woman who has ever placed a child in adoption and would like to meet with others who have done the same. The group will be led by a licensed clinical social worker and a national certified counselor. Call Pat Cunningham or Stephanie Hayden at Catholic Charities at 703-425-0100. A modest fee is charged based on income.
Social Skills Group for Children. For those with difficulty in social situations at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax. In small, age-appropriate groups, children can learn and practice appropriate behaviors, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions and making friends. Call 703-204-9100 for dates and times. $55/65 a session, may be insurance-reimbursable.
“You and Your Aging Parents.” Meet at the Jewish Social Service Agency, 3018 Javier Road, second floor, Fairfax, on the second Monday of each month, September–December, from 7-8:30 p.m. Adult children with aging parents meet to discuss communicating about sensitive issues, responsibilities to parents, responsibilities to family and the need for time to yourself. Call 703-204-9100. $15 a session.
Recovery Inc. A nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous disease meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee at 703-777-1708.
Chapter 5300 of the AARP. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield in the theater at Village Square at 1 p.m.
Home Safety Survey. An opportunity to spot fire or life safety hazards. The life safety education officer or a City of Fairfax fire inspector will perform a home walk-through to inspect all smoke detectors, review fire escape plans, check to see that all emergency numbers are posted, scan for other safety hazards and make suggestions to remedy any problems. Call Lt. John Henderson at 703-273-8109 to make an appointment.
Burke Internal Medicine, 5631 Burke Center Parkway, offers free health evaluations for individuals ages 55 and over who have no current health coverage. Included in the offer is a free cholesterol screening, blood pressure screening, diabetes screening, personal risk assessment and consultation. To make an appointment, call Dr. Nabil Andrawis or Dr. Nashwa Gabra at 703-250-5171.
Child Medications. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights aids parents who question the use of prescribed drugs for their children with mental "disorders" to improve educational performance or overall behavior. Call 1-800-869-2247 or visit www.fightforkids.org.
The Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area accepts used car donations through its partner cars4charities. To participate, call 1-866-448-3487 or visit www.cars4charities.org. Vehicles are towed away free of charge. Some restrictions apply.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group. Meets the second Wednesday of each Month at 1 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information call the Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026 or Barbara at 703-913-0890.