Over the next few weeks, CHCACT, in collaboration with 7 Connecticut FQHCs (Charter Oak Health Center, Cornell Scott-Hill, Community Health Services, Optimus Health Care, Southwest Community Health Center, StayWell Health Center and Wheeler Clinic), will roll out a series of interactive workshops for persons living with HIV/AIDS and/or their caregivers. These 6-week evidence-based workshops, titled “Living Well with HIV,” follow Stanford University's Positive Self-Management Program, which is now managed by the Self-Management Resource Center.

The workshops aim to empower participants to take control of their health by learning about healthier ways to live. The unique structure of the program has shown to enhance the clinical work performed by health care professionals with their patients, by guiding workshop participants to develop the skills to effectively act on practitioner recommendations. Topics covered in the workshops include: how to integrate medication regimens into daily life, nutrition, decision making, and techniques to deal with frustration, fear, fatigue, pain and isolation, and other problems.

Dionne Kotey, Programs Coordinator

Participating health centers are currently in the process of scheduling the six-week workshops, which are set to begin late March or early April. Dates and locations for the workshops will be available on our events calendar in a few weeks.

Each workshop will be led by two trained Peer Leaders. Seventeen Peer Leaders have been identified and will attend a 5-day intensive training in March to prepare them for facilitation of the workshops.

If you know someone who might be interested in participating in the workshops or who would like to be a Peer Leader, please feel free to direct them to me.  

Who can attend the workshop?

Persons living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their friends and loved ones are welcome to attend.

What does it cost to attend?

It is free to all! The program is funded by the Ryan White Supplemental Grant, provided through HRSA.

For more information about CHCACT’s PSMP, contact me at dkotey@chcact.org or 860-967.3846.