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A father discussing his self-management program with his daughter.

Self-management programs help you learn how to live better by managing your disease.

Free six-week step-by-step self-management workshops are offered to adults who have or care for someone, living with a chronic condition, a cancer diagnosis, or diabetes.

How can Self-Management Programs help you?

All programs are highly interactive and led by a team of professional lay leaders. Lay leaders are people from the community who have experience in dealing with the same difficulties as those participating in the programs. They have received comprehensive in-person training to deliver the program content from a highly detailed manual. During the sessions, you will:

  • Learn how to build skills to manage your disease
  • Share experiences with others like you
  • Help each other solve problems encountered
  • Offer support to each other

What is a self-management program?

Programs are open to adults of all ages and abilities. They are evidence-based, originally developed at Stanford University. Programs feature the following:

  • Small-group workshops — 12 to 16 participants
  • 2.5 hours of time per session
  • One session per week, for six weeks
  • Community settings such as senior centers, places of worship, provider offices, libraries, and hospitals
  • Rooms large enough for all participants to gather comfortably, plus space for two leaders and their materials
  • Accessible locations
  • Virtual classes

Become a self-management leader

Have experience living well while living with an illness, working with others to help them live better, or leading in a group setting? Volunteer to lead a Self-Management Program.

Become a volunteer

Types of programs:

Self-management programs will not conflict with existing programs or treatments.

Programs are designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education that is often provided through accredited programs in hospital settings. The programs do not conflict with or alter existing treatments and are designed to:

  • Help you gain self-confidence in your ability to control your symptoms
  • Help you control how your health problems affect your life

Self-management classes are interactive and informative.

We offer both in-person and virtual classes so you can choose what works best for you. You will be able to interact with the instructor and others as you learn about ways to deal with your particular health issue effectively. Don’t put off taking care of your health. Sign up for a class today.