Leader training to start June 5 for chronic disease self-management program

The Delaware Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is offering free lay leader training from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, June 5 and 6, and June 12 and 13, at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center. Participants must attend all four days.

Trained lay leaders teach people the skills needed for day-to-day management of chronic conditions and how to maintain or increase life activities. The program is designed to help people gain self-confidence with their ability to control their symptoms and learn how their health problems affect their lives. Small-group workshops meet for 2.5 hours a week for six weeks, and are facilitated by trained lay leaders with chronic conditions. The meetings are highly interactive, focusing on building skills, and sharing experiences and support. Participants learn how to make weekly action plans and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out the self-management program. 

To become lay leaders, trainees should be people with chronic conditions or health professionals who want to do volunteer work, with a minimal stipend provided. They must be committed to attend all four training days required, and be committed to implementing at least two to six 2.5-hour workshops a year. They should have an interest in helping improve the quality of lives for people living with chronic conditions

The training address is 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown. For more information or to sign up, contact Tiffany Pearson at 302-744-1020 or tiffany.pearson@state.de.us.