 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Richard Edward Meldrum, AM, LSW, Extended Services, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, 1401 S. California Blvd., Chicago, IL 60608, 773-522-2010 x5176, melri@sinai.org
During the last two decades, the number of persons who have sustained a violently-acquired spinal cord injury (VASCI) has grown. By 1994, this figure had increased to 30%, and minorities accounted for 72% of this group. Despite representing a rapidly growing population in rehabilitation hospitals, the needs of this emerging group are not being met. The Disabling Bullet project addresses this need and assists individuals with recent VASCI to reintegrate into their community and understand secondary medical conditions common to their injuries. Indeed, it is not uncommon for them to return to our hospital with secondary conditions or for them to spend most of their time watching television at home. Research has corroborated our experiences with this population. However, the support and guidance of a peer-mentor – a familiar face that shares their disability –may better address their needs.
Over the past year, our five peer mentors met weekly with 21 mentees. Mentees were predominately young, male, African American or Latino. 52% were previously involved in the criminal justice system and only 3.6% had education beyond the high school. Throughout the year, mentors had 351 contacts with their mentees and worked with them on issues ranging from employment to recreation. Most often the mentors provided information or helped mentees solve their problem. In the three exit interviews that occurred in the past year, mentees expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program. Based on our results, hospitals should consider the impact of peer interventions on rehabilitation, community integration, & independent living.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Disability, Community Participation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.