Persons with mental illnesses often experience chronic physical illnesses that complicate their recovery.  Although individuals experience different physical effects from similar health conditions, these conditions often cause common problems related to activities of daily living, interactions within the health care system, communication with family and friends, and problems dealing with negative emotions such as fear, anxiety and depression.  

The Michigan Department of Community Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration has joined forces with partners in the public health arena to implement the PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) program.  PATH groups help individuals develop strategies and behaviors to improve their overall health and quality of life.  Sessions are highly interactive with an emphasis on strategies designed to help adults and caregivers learn to better manage chronic conditions.  Group leaders follow a prescriptive format with progressive exercises and group problem-solving activities.  Participants obtain new information, learn new skills and abilities, and develop new ways to manage and cope with chronic health conditions.  Participants exchange mutual support with others who are experiencing similar health conditions and learn that the difficulties they are experiencing are normal.

PATH was developed at Stanford University as part of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. 

View a video about the Michigan PATH Program on YouTube.

PATH groups are currently available throughout the state of Michigan for people living with chronic health conditions. Visit www.mipath.org for information about groups in your area or visit Healthy Programs in Michigan.

The MDCH has revised the PATH curriculum to meet the specific needs of mental health consumers and their families and is currently developing pre- and post-tests to measure effectiveness.  Michigan is in the early stages of an effort to offer PATH facilitator training to Peer Support Specialists who are committed to improving the life expectancy and quality of life of persons with mental illness who are also facing chronic health conditions.  Updates about efforts to train Michigan Peers to facilitate PATH groups will be posted in this area of the website.