The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL)
will offer a free training for volunteers who would like to help seniors in Desoto County manage their chronic conditions.
AASWFL will offer a four-day training for leaders of the Stanford-designed Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) on November 10, 12, 17 and 19 at Desoto Friendship Center – 917 N. Arcadia Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266.

To qualify for the free four-day training, volunteers must commit to leading CDSMP workshops on the agency’s behalf. Volunteers must attend all four days of training in order to become certified to lead the workshops. The agency reimburses mileage for all volunteer-related travel, including training.

Living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, pain or anxiety can be a daily challenge. The CDSMP is an evidence-based exercise program
designed to help older adults and adults with disabilities to make a step-by-step plan to improve their health and their lives. AASWFL has received grant funding to offer these workshops in six Southwest Florida counties.

AAASWFL volunteers should be at least 18 years of age, have a valid drivers’ license, and must be able to pass a background screening. While not mandatory, experience with teaching,
instruction, public speaking, health care, nutrition, or community outreach is helpful. The ideal CDSMP volunteer also has experience with chronic conditions, either personally or as a care
provider.

In 2019, AAASWFL staff and volunteers led 43 health and wellness workshops across Southwest Florida, assisting more than 662 individuals.

Potential volunteers may contact Sherry Young, AAASWFL Health & Wellness Coordinator, through the Elder Helpline at (866) 413-5337 (866-41-ELDER) or by emailing [email protected] for more information. Volunteer applications can also be found at
the AAASWFL website: www.aaaswfl.org.

Funding for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is provided by a grant from the US Administration for Community Living through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization that has served Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties for more than 40 years.
The organization is committed to connecting older adults (ages 60 and over) and people with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. AAASWFL is the state’s designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida.

More information is available by visiting the AAASWFL website (www.aaaswfl.org) or by calling the Elder Helpline: (866) 413-5337.