Orlando Health — Free Autoimmune Support Group — Orlando, FL
The Autoimmune Support Group at Orlando Health is a free monthly community gathering for individuals and families living with autoimmune disorders in the Orlando, Florida area. Whether you’re managing lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, or another autoimmune condition, this group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, learn practical coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the unpredictability of autoimmune life. Hosted at Orlando Health’s Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, the group draws on the resources of one of Central Florida’s most comprehensive healthcare networks.
What to Expect
The group meets on the third Saturday of each month, 11:00am–12:00pm, in the Garden Room at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Sessions blend peer sharing with access to literature on autoimmune conditions, treatment navigation, and quality-of-life strategies. The format is community-driven — members bring questions, share what’s helped them, and connect over the real experiences of living with chronic immune conditions. The group is kept to a manageable size so everyone has space to be heard.
Who This Group Is For
This group is open to anyone affected by an autoimmune disorder — newly diagnosed or long-term — as well as family members and caregivers who want to better understand and support their loved ones. All autoimmune conditions are welcome: lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac, Sjogren’s, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and beyond. If immune-related health challenges are part of your life, there’s a place for you here.
Why Peer Support Works
Autoimmune conditions are often invisible, unpredictable, and misunderstood — even by those closest to us. Peer support groups provide something clinical visits can’t: the experience of being truly seen by someone living with similar unpredictability. Research on chronic illness support consistently shows improved emotional wellbeing, reduced isolation, and greater confidence in self-advocacy. Hearing how others manage flares, navigate diagnosis, and maintain daily life is both validating and practically useful.
How to Join
Attendance is free. Register online through the Orlando Health class portal — link above. The group meets the third Saturday of each month, 11:00am–12:00pm, in the Garden Room at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819. For more information, visit Orlando Health’s website or use the registration link above.