Find a Support Group
Find Support. Give Support. Get Support.
Connecting with others facing similar experiences is proven to improve emotional well-being and have a positive impact. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) support groups offer a place where patients, caregivers, and loved ones can gather and share their experiences with one another. Support groups provide opportunities for education, support, and connection, as well as a valuable source of encouragement and inspiration.
To learn more about the PFF's Support Group Leader Network (SGLN) and find the support group that is right for you, continue scrolling. Whether you prefer to stay in the comfort of your home or meet in-person, there are options for everyone! In the section below, use the Find a Support Group Search Tool by entering your zip code or selecting virtual group and you will receive a curated list of support groups. Look through your list to find which group is best for you. A composite list of support groups can also be found at the last section of this page.
Please note that while the educational and practical information shared in a support group can be extremely helpful, it is important to remember that it is not a substitute for medical care you receive from your doctor. Always speak with your physician before you make any changes to your care plan. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression related to your disease, a support group might not provide the right kind of help. Talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. They can provide resources to help you find a counselor if they think it would be beneficial for you to connect with a mental health professional.
Find a Support Group Near You
The Find a Support Group Search Tool can help you find groups near you! The PFF maintains a list of all the PF and ILD support groups that are active across the United States. The Find a Support Group Search Tool helps PF community members locate groups and get connected through in-person gatherings, virtual groups, and hybrid meeting options. Click See Details for any group in your search results to access contact and meeting information.
Looking to get connected with other PF community members? Use the Search Tool to find a support group that fits your needs in these few easy steps:
- At the top of the Search Tool, choose your preferred meeting format by selecting the desired check box. Feel free to select one or both options!
- If you'd like to find a support group to attend in-person, select the Support Group check box option for in-person or hybrid meetings that are based in a geographic location.
- If you prefer to attend a group virtually, select the Virtual Group check box option to search for groups that meet online-only.
- If you'd like to find a support group to attend in-person, select the Support Group check box option for in-person or hybrid meetings that are based in a geographic location.
- Enter your zip code to view nearby groups.
- Press the Search button and browse through the given list of groups. You can find each group's meeting and contact information on their own page by clicking See Details.
Please email help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) if you need assistance navigating the search tool or connecting with a support group. Support groups included in the Find a Support Group Search Tool only represent those in the United States. Contact the PFF Help Center to connect with an international group.
Disclaimer: Contact information provided for a "Support Group" or "Virtual Group" listed on this website is solely intended for patients, caregivers, and family members who would like to participate in a support group. This information may not be used for business purposes at any time. The Foundation reviews all self-reported information provided by a support group prior to approving the group’s PFF affiliation. The Foundation does not guarantee, and is not responsible for, the accuracy of information or the nature of programming offered by any support group listed on our website.
Join a PFF Support Group on Zoom
The PFF hosts three monthly support groups meetings on Zoom for anyone who is affected by pulmonary fibrosis. If you are not able to attend an in-person group, or simply want more opportunities for support between meetings, consider joining one of the PFF’s monthly support group meetings.
- PFF Voices is a support group open to all members of the pulmonary fibrosis community, whether it be patients with PF, caregivers, loved ones, or lung transplant recipients. Join this group to learn more about the disease, hear from others experiences, and discuss concerns you may have. This group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
- PFF Caring Conversations is specifically for those caring for individuals with PF and gives participants the opportunity to share experiences and information related to their caregiving role. This group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
- PFF Lung Transplant Community Support Group is intended for those who have had, or are awaiting, a lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis, are interested in learning about a lung transplant, or are caring for an individual who has had or is awaiting a lung transplant. This group provides an opportunity for discussion and dialogue around transplant-related challenges and celebrations. This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
All groups offer the PF community a valuable forum to share information and provide support to one another from the comfort of their own home. Registration is not required to participate, and call-in information and meeting times are the same each month.
To join a PFF virtual support group meeting via Zoom, click the button below on your computer or smartphone, or call one of the telephone numbers provided, at or just prior to 1:00 p.m. Central Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time / 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time) on the scheduled day:
Meeting ID: 898 3066 3004
Passcode: 067150
If you're unable to access the Zoom platform, you can join the audio portion of the meeting by phone using one of the numbers below.
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 647 374 4685 CAN (Toronto)
How can I find community through a support group?
Engaging with others who share the experience of living with PF and ILD can provide empowerment, education, and support. It can also be overwhelming - not knowing where to start or what to expect when joining a support group. Hear from support group leader, Rebecca, on how she found community when she joined a support group and ways that you can too.
Contact the PFF Help Center by email at help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) for assistance finding your community.
Find a Full List of All Support Groups
The PFF has 135 support groups in the Support Group Leader Network. Many of these groups meet in-person; however, many groups allow folks to join virtually.
Please reach out to the PFF Help Center at help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) for assistance with finding a support group that is right for you!
Meeting dates, times, and format are subject to change. Please contact the support group leader prior to joining a meeting to confirm the meeting's details and to learn how to join a virtual meeting.
