Patient Resources: Classes, Support Groups and Social Services

Patients and families are encouraged to attend our free classes and support groups to learn more about organ transplants, organ donation and long-term wellness:

• Kidney Transplantation Classes
  
• Liver Transplantation Classes

Social Services

Our social workers can help you learn about and apply for assistance programs, including:

• Social Security Disability Insurance
  
• Supplemental Security Income
  
• California State Disability Insurance
• Job Training
• Family Medical Leave Act
  
• Paid Family Leave
  
• In Home Support Services
• Southern Caregiver Resource Center

Medication Assistance

These nonprofit and government programs exist to help with medication costs associated with organ transplants:

• Health Well Foundation
  
• Needy Meds
• Patient Services
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance
  
• Patient Access Network Foundation
  

For more information about medication assistance, contact your transplant social worker.

Housing Assistance

• Bannister Family House for affordable lodging for out-of-town families of UC San Diego Health patients. Your transplant social worker will make a referral upon your request.
• Housing and Community Development Services for public housing, Section 8 housing and other resources available to low-income families, senior citizens and disabled persons.

Food Assistance

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal supplemental nutrition program for families and individuals that meet certain income guidelines. Food stamps help supplement your food budget and allow families to buy nutritious food. In California, the program is called CalFresh.
• The San Diego Food Bank administers this USDA funded program which provides food packages to low income individuals and families who meet income guidelines set by the federal government. The program serves nearly 80,000 individuals at 90 distribution sites every month.

Transportation

• Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers senior citizens (60+), disabled individuals and Medicare recipients reduced fare on fixed-route buses and trolleys.
• MTS Access provides curb-to-curb accessible transportation service for individuals who are unable to use regular public bus, trolley or Coaster services due to a physical or cognitive impairment. Riders must be certified to ride MTS Access.