Beryllium support groups can provide you with strength and encouragement — promote the sharing of ideas — and help you connect with other workers in your industry or occupation. They can be an invaluable aid in times of stress.

Ongoing support groups

Below is a list of support groups in Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee and Washington. Your local health care facility may also have self–help groups for those with respiratory problems, including berylliosis and other occupational diseases.

• Arizona
  • Tucson Arizona Beryllium Support Group
    11323 N. Anway
    Marana, AZ 85653
• Colorado
  • Beryllium Support Group
    P.O. Box 2021
    Broomfield, CO 80038-2021
    303–412–7065
    webmaster@beryllium.org
• Ohio
  • Beryllium Disease Support Group of Ohio
    P.O. Box 55
    Oak Harbor, OH 43449
    theresan@umich.edu
• Tennessee
  • Y-12 Chronic Beryllium Disease Support Group
    Beryllium Victims Alliance
    504 Michigan Ave
    Oak Ridge, TN 37830
    865–482–7641
    Contact Glen Bell, Chairman
    Wheezin2@aol.com
• Washington
  • The Beryllium Awareness Group
    Hanford, WA
    terry_cherney@rl.gov
    c_w_chuck_wildman@rl.gov

Forming a support group

Can’t find a beryllium support group in your area? Consider starting your own. You can contact employees from your workplace or perhaps get permission to post notices at a health care facility. Here are some ideas about forming support groups:

• Begin with a small group of people who are interested in starting as well as joining a support group.
• Research free or low cost meeting places such as people’s homes and conference rooms in local libraries — churches or synagogues — hospitals and community centers.
• Set a definite time and place for your planning meeting — then for a general meeting.
• Publicity may include posting notices‚ free newspaper listings or radio public service announcements.

Once the group is in its initial stages — group participation and open discussion should be encouraged. Vary group activities. In some months — consider a guest speaker such as a health care practitioner.

Each beryllium support group will take on its own character and format — so we have provided suggestions rather than rote rules. You will want to create or join the support group that is most appropriate for you. We wish you great success in this endeavor.