Patient and Family Peer Support Network

Make an impact in the lives of others

Medical error and unexpected outcomes affect tens of thousands of Massachusetts patients and their loved ones each year but there are few services in place to support them in the aftermath of an adverse event. The Betsy Lehman Center is forming a Patient and Family Peer Support Network to fill that void. The network will provide an opportunity for people to talk to others who have been there. The Center will select and train volunteers to serve as peer supporters so they can help other patients and family members in the aftermath of these difficult medical events.

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Who are peer supporters?

Peer supporters are trained volunteers who provide encouragement, support and resources to other patients and families who have experienced a trauma or a negative outcome while receiving medical care.

To be eligible, candidates should be a previous or current patient who has experienced a medical error or an unanticipated outcome; or a family member whose loved one has experienced a medical error or unanticipated outcome.

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Responsibilities of a peer supporter

  • Complete four to five hours of training provided by the Betsy Lehman Center
  • Demonstrate commitment to share experiences and knowledge with others
  • Be available to speak by phone or in person with at least two and no more than three patients or family members each year
  • Participate in quarterly meetings for peer supporters

Become a peer supporter

Patients and their families benefit from connecting with people who have been through a similar experience. Serving as a peer supporter is an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others going through a difficult time.

If you are interested in becoming a peer supporter, please complete the interest form available here. The next step will be an interview with Betsy Lehman Center staff. For more information, contact Jacqueline Ewuoso at Jacqueline.Ewuoso@state.ma.us or 617-701-8107.

If you are in need of support now, please contact Linda Kenney, Director of Peer Support Programs, at linda.kenney@state.ma.us or (617) 701-8193.