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Community Groups
NOF relies on a variety of community outreach programs to help us provide support to the millions affected by osteoporosis. These groups include support groups, volunteer groups and fundraising and awareness groups.
Fundraising and Awareness Groups
NOF provides support to many community groups interested in hosting fundraising events benefiting NOF. Think about all the people in your life and how many of them could be affected by this disease at some point. Your efforts to raise awareness -- as well as raise funds to help NOF meet its mission -- is also helping so many of the people you care about. Working together we can realize NOF’s vision - promoting healthy bones for life.
You can take comfort in knowing that the funds raised through your efforts will help following NOF:
- Increase public awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
- Promote and provide education and training for physicians and other health professionals
- Advocate for expanded support for medical research and education
- Provide information and support to patients and their families
Every day people across the country are implementing new and creative events and activities to further the cause. Click here to learn more about planning a fundraising event for NOF. Together, we can help others build healthy bones for life.
Click here to learn more about NOF Volunteer opportunities
Support Groups
Today, people take greater responsibility for their own health care. Many people look for information and support in helping them cope with diseases, such as osteoporosis.
When people are diagnosed with osteoporosis, they may face unexpected changes in their lives. Some people may even feel alone. Understanding more about the disease becomes a priority. Programs of support provide a way to learn more about osteoporosis while providing an opportunity to share information, feelings and goals with others in a similar situation.
What It Means to Belong to an NOF Support Group
“I learned from my osteoporosis support group that knowledge gives you the power to fight this disease.”
-NOF Englewood Community Hospital Support Group, Englewood, FL
“We share our thoughts, ideas, joys and woes, and we also have wonderful speakers. Our leader always manages to make it an upbeat session.”
- NOF Newport Support Group, Newport, RI
“The NOF support group has provided me the knowledge I need to support and help my wife in coping with this disease.”
- NOF Southside Osteo Support Group, Greenwood, IN
“When a support group was formed in my home town, I joined. A whole world opened up for me, and I learned how to help myself. I learned about exercise, medication, nutrition and much more."
- NOF Citrus County Osteoporosis Support Group, Hernando, FL
Joining a Support Group
NOF sponsors osteoporosis support groups throughout the country. The many benefits of joining a support group include:
- Learning more about the disease and treatment choices
- Receiving free brochures and educational materials
- Feeling a sense of caring and understanding
- Not feeling alone in dealing with the disease
- Improving coping skills by learning how others handle the disease
- Exchanging information about community resources, including healthcare providers who treat osteoporosis
- Improving mental and physical well-being
- Finding hope and encouragement
For privacy reasons, NOF does not list phone numbers, addresses or email information for support group leaders on our Web site. To find the nearest support group to you, you can contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation by completing an Online Request Form.
To join a support group, contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation for information on the nearest support group to you. Call NOF’s Education Department at (202) 223-2226 or toll free at (800) 231-4222.
Starting a Support Group
Both healthcare professionals and people with osteoporosis make excellent support group leaders. If there is not a support group in your area, consider starting one. NOF depends on volunteers to serve as support group leaders.
In addition to meeting and sharing with each other, support group members receive educational information. Some support groups have guest speakers, and some incorporate exercise. The focus depends on the needs and interests of the support group and community. Support groups may meet monthly, quarterly or less often.
NOF provides all support groups leaders with excellent resources including:
- Support group manual — The support group manual is a comprehensive guide to help you start, promote and conduct successful support group meetings.
- Free educational materials — NOF provides all of your educational materials including brochures, information sheets, quarterly newsletter, PowerPoint presentation, posters and more.
- Networking opportunities — NOF will connect you with other support group leaders with whom to network and exchange ideas.
- Topics and program ideas — NOF maintains a list of topics and program ideas.
- Referrals — NOF will direct all support group inquiries to your group to assist you in growing your membership.
- And, more!
If you would like to learn more about starting an NOF support group, please complete an Online Request Form.
NOF’s Online Health Community
NOF’s online health community uses the Internet to help people connect with others who have osteoporosis. Many people do not live near an existing osteoporosis support group and do not know others with similar concerns about their bone health. The online health community provides another way to bring people together to support each other and learn more about osteoporosis.
The online health community includes blogs, individual Web pages, discussions, message boards and more. One of the ways members can expand their social network within the community is through a personal profile. The NOF online health community links members by gender, the topics in which they are interested and where they live. This helps people more easily find and connect with others in similar situations. Discussions are categorized by topic, making it easy for members to find topics that interest them.
Because health issues are private, security measures have been put in place to ensure that members have control over their personal information, such as hiding their full name and email address from others. To prevent inappropriate content, discussions are moderated and there is a community help desk.
Participation is open to people concerned about their bone health, patients with osteoporosis, caregivers, family members and health professionals.
- Sign up – it’s free
- Join the conversation
- Read popular items
- Write a blog
- Meet new people
- Discuss topics of interest and share information
