peer-led programs that give people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers the knowledge, skills and confidence to take a more active role in their health care.

workshops are held for 2½ hours once a week for six weeks. Workshops are provided at no or low cost. Workshops are offered periodically in all 21 New Jersey counties and some workshops are conducted in other languages.

participants learn strategies for managing symptoms, working with health care professionals, setting weekly goals, problem-solving, relaxing, handling difficult emotions, eating well, and exercising safely and easily.

evidence-based, meaning it has produced positive results for people who complete the program. Participants report the following benefits:

• Improvements in physical activity, stamina and pain control
• Better communication with their health care providers
• Reduced doctor and hospital visits

 includes three distinct programs in NJ:

• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers.
• Tomando Control de su Salud is a version of CDSMP that is conducted in Spanish.
• Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer Thriving and Surviving (CTS) for people who have recently completed cancer treatments.

encourages a positive approach to self-management of chronic health conditions. This program is intended to complement, not replace, professional health care services.

• Find a workshop in your area
• Become a peer leader
• Sponsor a workshop
• Become a provider agency

For more information on Take Control of Your Health, please call DoAS at (609) 438-4797.