Education and Community Health at the University Hospital

USA Health University Hospital offers support groups for patients, family members and other caregivers.

Patients often ask, "How can I find information about my health condition or other health related issues?" We encourage our patients to take advantage of the educational resources available at University Hospital. Visit the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC) on the third floor to review a wide range of information for patients and staff.

Patients also have access to the university's biomedical library and online chats with librarians at www.southalabama.edu/departments/biomedicallibrary/.

Behind the scenes, University Hospital plays a vital role in the education of physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and others. Our patients are among the first to benefit from new treatments that have been discovered and proven effective by our research and education teams.

For more information about the HIRC, contact us by email at umclib@bbl.usouthal.edu or by phone at (251) 471-7855.

USA Health University Hospital employees can click here to access HealthStream for their online education.

After a stroke occurs, patients are left with many questions and health concerns. The Regional Stroke Support Group helps give stroke victims and their caregivers an opportunity to be educated and supported by speakers and survivors regarding topics such as awareness, prevention and life after a stroke.

The USA Regional Stroke Support Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at University Hospital from 6–7 p.m. in the Café Conference Room, located on the second floor. Meetings are free and open to the public.

University Hospital has achieved recognition as the first hospital in Alabama to receive the Gold Plus, Target Stroke, Honor Roll Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines Campaign for the comprehensive level of quality care for stroke patients. We are also the first hospital to receive the award for two consecutive years.

For more information about stroke care, click here.

Reservations are not required to attend USA Regional Stroke Support Groups. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the Stroke Certification Coordinator at (251) 471-7671 or email sross@health.southalabama.edu.

For patients suffering from diabetes, University Hospital hosts a Diabetes Support Group coordinated by USA College of Nursing faculty on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 2–3 p.m. in the 10th floor dining room.

For additional information, call (251) 471-7944.

Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery often find it helpful to speak with others who have been through the same transition. USA Health Bariatric Surgery Support Group meets at University Hospital on the first Monday of each month. Meetings take place on the second floor in the Simulation Lab Conference Room at 6 p.m.

Contact Catherine Gaudet for more information at (251) 445-9142.