Help others help themselves to better health. Lead a Self-Management Program.

Challenges come with managing a chronic disease like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, or osteoporosis. You may know firsthand. You may remember how hard it was for you to find a way to develop healthy habits to manage your condition. Or, regardless of your health background, you may want to give back to the community by helping others. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is looking for volunteers like you to lead a free Self-Management Program, which can help Delawareans acquire the skills they need to manage their chronic disease.

Self-Management programs help people live healthier lives.

Self-Management programs are free, interactive sessions that help people who have ongoing health conditions learn how to live life to the fullest. For many people, this means a life with less stress, more energy, and a greater ability to do the things they want to do.

Participants learn how to:

Address the physical and psychological effects of a chronic disease (including fatigue, pain, depression, and frustration).
Exercise, get proper nutrition, and use medications appropriately.
Communicate effectively with family, friends, and health professionals.

Here’s what we would ask of you.

Agree to become a lay leader for one of DPH’s Self-Management programs.
Attend CDC-endorsed, in-person training so that you are well prepared.
Lead small, interactive groups of no more than 12 people, for six weeks of sessions conducted once a week at a community site.
Use an evidence-based manual as a guide, helping attendees learn how to live a healthier life.

Two programs have specific goals.

Diabetes Self-Management Program

Diabetes is a complex chronic illness that requires ongoing monitoring to slow or prevent complications. This program helps participants gain confidence in their ability to manage their health and to maintain an active and fulfilling life.

View Program Page

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

This program is designed for adults with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis, who struggle to find ways to manage their condition.