Revamped Web Site Will Facilitate Sharing, Networking

The AAFP Foundation's Peers for Progress program aims to establish or extend the evidence base for peer support as a core component of diabetes care around the world and to build a network of peer support programs. Now, the program's directors are hoping a revamped Web site will help it reach those goals.

"As the go-to source for information on peer support programs, Peers for Progress aims to encourage networking and sharing of information to improve peer support around the world," said Edwin Fisher, Ph.D., global director of Peers for Progress and professor at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill. "Our Web site has been updated to make it more user friendly for people who want to get the best information on peer support programs, find out what other people are doing in this area and show their own work."

Kevin Helm, assistant director of the program, said this is the fourth version of the Web site and the third time it has been upgraded in a year.

"Now it's where we want it to be," Helm said. "Hopefully, it will become the place people will go to learn and share information about peer support. This is the centerpiece of the program as far as how peer support will be expanded throughout the world."

Key to the Web site is program resources and curricula for those who want to begin or improve an existing program. The "implement" tab on the program's home page has been expanded to include resources for starting a peer support program, training peer supporters, and managing and evaluating programs.

Another link invites users to join the program's global network for sharing information. Discussion boards also have been enhanced.

Other new features include a guest book and a calendar of events related to peer support and diabetes.