PATH: Chronic Disease Management Program

Personal Action Toward Health, or PATH, is a six-week workshop conducted in two- hour sessions in local community settings, such as the YMCA or community college. The program was developed and tested by Stanford University to help people build the skills they need for the day-to-day management of chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes.

The small workshop sessions (about 10-15 people) are hosted by trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic disease. The class will teach people with chronic diseases techniques to deal with problems such as fatigue, frustration, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and evaluation of new treatments.

In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) partnered to build and expand the PATH program. 

If you are interested in taking a PATH Class, find the most up to date class schedule.

For more information about licensed agencies in Michigan , regional contacts, or workshops in your area, please contact Karen McCloskey, Michigan Department of Community Health, Diabetes and Other Chronic Diseases Section, 517-335-1236 or mccloskeyk@michigan.gov.