Peer Leader Training Information and Guidelines for the
Better Choices, Better Health Program
(Chronic Disease Self-Management Program)
The next Peer Leader training for Better Choices, Better Health will be held on September 7, 9, 14, and 16. The training will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all four days.
The training will be held at Vintage Senior Center in East Liberty. The address is 401 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206.
Better Choices, Better Health is a free six-week series of workshops for older adults with chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The workshops, which last for 2 ½ hours and are held at the same time and location each week, focus on helping participants to develop skills and strategies for more effectively managing their chronic conditions. The workshops are interactive and participatory in nature and cover topics including exercise, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and effective communication with medical providers. The typical workshop size is about 15 participants.
This program is evidence based, which means that scientific studies have demonstrated that the program has resulted in positive outcomes. These outcomes include increased exercise, better coping strategies and symptom management, better communication with doctors, more energy and less fatigue, decreased disability, and fewer physician visits and hospitalizations.
The workshops are taught not by medical professionals, but by Peer Leaders who are similar to the workshop participants. We are currently recruiting Peer Leaders to serve as facilitators for the workshops.
As a Peer Leader, you would not be alone in teaching the class; all workshops are facilitated by two trained Leaders. In addition, you will have the support of a Master Trainer, who will attend the first class and be available to you throughout the six weeks for questions.
- For each workshop series that you lead, you will receive a stipend of $200.
- In addition, you will receive a one-time $100 training stipend after completion of the training AND your first workshop series.
