When you have been newly diagnosed with AS or a related condition, the associated social, functional and economic consequences make disease management an important issue. It is especially important to take charge of the disease since the experts agree that taking an active role in managing spondylitis, backed by a sound knowledge base, will have a positive influence on its outcome.

SAA's Network of PEERS (People Educated and Empowered to Rise above Spondylitis) was developed to help people newly diagnosed with spondylitis feel less isolated, understand the importance of learning about managing the disease, and feel supported and encouraged to empower themselves for optimum health. Our belief is that the more positive support you can bring into your life, the easier it will be to keep spondylitis from imposing needless limitations. The Network of PEERS is a resource for those people newly diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis or a related disease who would like to talk with someone who has more experience with managing their spondylitis. Our goal is to provide another avenue of positive support for the newly diagnosed person and to provide an opportunity for those people more experienced with spondylitis to become more involved in our spondylitis community.

This program is designed to match peers, who will be considered as either a Mentor or Mentee, based on age, gender, region of the country, type of spondylitis and other criteria in order for them to communicate by telephone, email or instant messaging to share experiences related to managing their spondylitis.

We will consider someone for enrollment into the program as a Volunteer Peer Mentee if they have been recently diagnosed with spondylitis and would like to talk to someone about how they have managed their spondylitis. In order to enroll in the program as a mentee, a candidate must:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of spondylitis from a rheumatologist.
• Complete the Network of PEERS Mentee application (click here for Mentee Application).
• Participate in an interview process conducted by Programs staff.
• Review the Program Guidelines and Information for Mentees (click here for Guidelines).
• Agree to the SAA guidelines for enrollment in the program and sign a Network of PEERS Volunteer Mentee Agreement.

We will consider someone for enrollment into the program as a Volunteer Peer Mentor if they have years of experience managing their own spondylitis and would like to offer support to someone who has been newly diagnosed. In order to enroll in the program as a Mentor, a candidate must:

• Have a confirmed diagnosed form of spondylitis from a rheumatologist.
• Complete the Network of PEERS Mentor application (click here for Mentor Application).
• Be a member of SAA.
• Be managing their spondylitis appropriately (e.g. regular exercise, working with physician, etc.).
• Review the Program Guidelines and Information for Mentors. (click here for Guidelines).
• Participate in an interview process conducted by Programs staff.
• Have good listening and communication skills.
• Be able to set appropriate boundaries.
• Agree to the SAA guidelines for enrollment in the program and sign a Network of PEERS Volunteer Mentor Agreement.

Please send your completed application to Elin Aslanyan, Programs Coordinator, by email to elin.aslanyan@spondylitis.org or by mail to SAA, 14827 Ventura Blvd, #222, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Once we receive your application, we will review it and contact you to discuss enrollment.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Elin by email at the address above or by telephone at (800) 777-8189, ext. 222.