In a partnership, each member brings an element to the table that strengthens the effort and enriches the outcome.

The dynamic partnership among the Arizona Governor’s Council on Spinal and Head Injuries, the Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association exemplifies this collaborative spirit.

Since 2002, the three entities have collaborated to provide “Charting a Course for Consumers: Empowerment Training for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. ” For one evening a week for 12 weeks, participants hear presentations on a variety of topics affecting individuals with SCI, learn about resources in the community, and have the opportunity to socialize with other participants, as well as meet staff members from all three partner organizations.

Approximately 200 people have attended the free empowerment course since its inception. What started out as a project of a work group involving members of the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association and staff from St. Joseph’s “has become so much more,” says Ann Tarpy, the Council's Training Officer.

The Governor’s Council is responsible for coordinating the course curriculum, providing the instructor, overseeing registration and logistical support, working with the presenters, and providing administrative and staff support.

While the curriculum for the empowerment course is well planned out, there has to be some flexibility, says Ms. Tarpy.

“It really depends on the audience,” she explains. “The course sessions are very interactive and informal, but every year the course is different because the participants – and their interests – are different.”

The Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association provides transportation for participants in the course, staffs the meetings, and plays a large role in the recruiting efforts. The Association also coordinates the two resource fairs during the 12-week course, where participants have convenient access to local professionals who provide information about products and services for individuals with SCI.

"Consumers simply can’t get this kind of information anywhere else.”

The Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center provides the space in which the course presentations are held, as well as dinner for the participants. Faculty and staff members also participate in the course sessions.

Carol Browner, SCI Nurse Program Coordinator at the Barrow Neurological Institute’s neurological rehabilitation program, coordinates the course, along with colleague Susan Scott, a certified occupational therapy aide. Together, they help to teach and facilitate the course sessions.

“St. Joseph’s is committed to making this program work,” Ms. Browner explains. “And the course has really served its purpose. Consumers simply can’t get this kind of information anywhere else.”

Ms. Browner, who has been a spinal cord injury nurse for 20 years, went through the course herself a few years ago and admits that she learned some things that were new. Faculty members and professional staff regularly attend the course to learn more about SCI issues.

Course sessions have covered topics such as assistive technology, life care planning, wheelchair seating, health promotion, and more.

It is the sense of community, however, that is one of the greatest benefits offered by the course. Participants can discuss their challenges and fears and how to overcome them.

Ms. Browner recalls one woman who shared with the group her desire to get back into the workforce. Unfortunately, she was “stuck” and did not know where to go for assistance. Through the course, she met another individual whose work involved helping individuals find employment. This participant was able to find a job as a result.

The next empowerment course is scheduled to begin on January 10, 2007 and will be held every Wednesday through March 28, 2007 on the St. Joseph’s Hospital/Barrow Neurological Institute campus in Phoenix. For more information, please contact the Governor’s Council at 602-863-0484.