Peer to Peer Mentoring
Sharing your experience with others who have survived a foodborne disease can be one of the most beneficial connections and sources of information for anyone dealing with the aftermath.
Mary McGonigle Martin, Constituent Advocate
Our Peer to Peer program is comprised of constituent-mentors who are available to offer compassionate insight based on their personal experiences. Most importantly, our mentors understand how emotional, overwhelming and chaotic your world has become and they are available to offer a listening ear. You do not need to struggle on your own.
Finding answers reduces stress. STOP’s constituent-mentors may provide insight as to the types of questions to ask medical professionals treating you or your loved one(s). Whether you are establishing a “new normal”, trying to manage physical pain or how to communicate with family and friends about your illness and possible long-term consequences, our constituent-mentors are willing and able to help you navigate your new reality.
Peer to Peer Mentoring connects an individual or a family member who is currently struggling to manage the persistent effects of foodborne illness to a mentor who has been similarly impacted and can share her/his unique perspective. Our mentors are not professionally trained and should not replace knowledgeable medical, legal, or mental health professionals; they are, however, individuals whose lives have been seriously impacted by foodborne pathogens and know that having an experienced friend or advocate in your corner can be a vital source of comfort and assurance.
Once connected to a constituent-mentor, the two of you determine the type of relationship you would like to create – one for emotional support, for gaining information and insight or two friends sharing their experiences together. We’re simply the matchmaker.