Casa Colina’s Peer-Pal Support Intervention in Low-Income Patients with Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulceration

Written By Katelyn Jackson

Led by Dr. Tze-Woei Tan and Dr. Emily Rosario, the Peer-Pal Support Intervention program (PPI) introduces an equity-focused care model. The initiative trains individuals with healed diabetic foot ulcers to serve as Peer Pals, providing culturally tailored, empathetic guidance to newly diagnosed patients.

This program addresses the systemic, social, and psychological barriers that often delay care in underserved populations, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. Early results show the intervention can be feasible and impactful by

  • empowering patients

  • improving self-care

  • increasing communication with providers

  • reducing reliance on clinical resources

The model shows promise for broader application in other underserved health populations.

Katelyn Jackson
Next

Galvanizing patient awareness and advocacy through community microgrants