Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Goes Virtual

SWACH has partnered with WSU Extension and SeaMar Community Health centers to provide the Chronic Pain and Chronic Disease Self-Management workshops in a virtual environment.

Since these trainings are normally held in person, the COVID-19 pandemic required an adjustment to be able to provide the same content in a virtual setting. The next Chronic Disease Self Management program, begins November 13th, however there will be multiple opportunities in 2021 to also participate.

Additionally, this is only one part of the Self-Management program – other trainings which will be offered include Chronic Pain Self-Management and the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

The Chronic Disease and Pain Self-Management programs are a 6-week, small group, evidence-based workshops which provide participants techniques and ideas to help manage chronic conditions. Topics include stress management, nutrition, medication, physical activity, and communication with family and caregivers. These workshops are open to individuals and/or their caretakers who are living with chronic pain and/or conditions like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other physical or mental health conditions.

SWACH and WSU Extension began offering these trainings last year and worked to get more community members trained in leading these programs. One of the key aspects of these trainings, and why they are so successful in helping participants improve their health, is that they focus on empowering individuals to develop self-management skills proven to help overcome the physical, mental and emotional obstacles that often arise when living with chronic conditions.

We are proud to be able to offer these coordinated efforts across our region to provide regularly scheduled trainings to help people get healthier. Many thanks to our partner agencies participating in the providing greater access to these important programs.
• WSU-Extension – SWACH Regional Coordinator of Self-Management Education Programs
• WAGAP
• Skamania County Community Health
• SeaMar CHC
• Vancouver Housing Authority
• Lifeline Connections
• Vet Corp

For more information, about the virtual training, please contact Amy Raney at amy.raney@wsu.edu or 564-397-5721.

For information about Skamania trainings, please call Skamania County Community Health at (509) 427-3850.

More information about these programs in general can be found here.