Spinal Cord Injury Peer Mentor Program

A peer mentor is someone who has a disabiliy, is living successfully with it, and has experience handling the same or similar situations that a patient may encounter upon discharge from the hospital.

NRH peer mentors have been specially trained to guide and provide SCI-related information to newly-injured individuals such as yourself. They are also supervised by rehabilitation professionals and specialists in order to provide you with the most current information on health, preventing secondary conditions, and resources in your community.

What are the benefits of peer mentoring?

Health. Learning to prevent and identify potential medical complications is essential to your living a long and healthy life with SCI. Peer mentors can give you advice on preventing secondary conditions like urinary tract infections, pressure sores, and autonomic dysreflexia.

Fitness and Exercise. Fitness and exercise is very important for people with SCI. It is key in helping you maintain your overall health. If you played sports or exercised before your injury, peer mentors can help show you how to adapt to that sport. They can also help you find facilities with accessible exercise equipment, and if you are interested, they can also introduce you to new sports, area gyms, and other exercise programs.

Social Activities. Continuing to participate in social activities is important after your SCI. Peer mentors can give you tips on finding accessible places to eat and show you how to receive discounts or special accommodations to professional sporting events, theaters, social clubs, other forms of entertainment, and public transportation. Most importantly, a peer mentor can show you how to enjoy yourself socially in many different places doing many different activities.

Personal & Emotional. Chances are that when you return home, things are not going to be exactly as you thought they would. A peer mentor can assist you in your transition back home and help to answer any questions you may have. A peer mentor can give you helpful advice about living with a SCI. He or she can show you how to do everyday activities, like doing transfers, pressure release, or bowel and bladder programs.

How do I find a peer mentor?

NRH has a team of SCI peer mentors that are ready and willing to assist you in learning how to live a full life with SCI. For more information, contact our Peer Mentor Coordinator Inger Ljungberg at 202-877-1694 or Inger.H.Ljungberg@medstar.net