National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

Leading the fight against kidney disease

PATH (Personal Action Toward Health)

The Personal Action Toward Health Program is a 6-week to 8-week workshop that meets once a week for 2 to 2 ½ hours. Each small group is led by two trained leaders. PATH gives you simple tools to help manage long-term health conditions and live a healthier life.

There are several versions of the program available including: Chronic Condition PATH, Diabetes PATH, Kidney PATH, and Chronic Pain PATH. In PATH, you will learn how to manage symptoms, lower stress, communicate better with doctors and family, and set small, realistic goals each week, and more.

Before Week 1, an information session will be held to provide an overview, walk through registration forms, cover Zoom basics needed to participate, and share helpful community resources.

  • Caregivers and support people are welcome to join.
  • Workshops are offered in person, on Zoom, and by phone (limited availability). Online requires device with internet access and camera.
  • Programs are offered in English, with other languages available for some workshops.

If you are interested in participating in a PATH workshop, please click on the program icon to sign up for an upcoming workshop. Pre-registration is required. For information in Arabic, please contact pathprograms@nkfm.org or call 734-222-9800 ext. 2001.

Couple in the kitchen, man using a tablet

Types of PATH Workshops

​Who should participate:

  • Adults with chronic or ongoing health conditions including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, asthma, kidney disease, obesity, and depression.
  • Family members, friends, and caregivers of someone with a chronic condition are also encouraged to attend.
  • Caregivers interested in caring for their own health.

Unsure which PATH version is right for you, or looking for other information? Please fill out the PATH Inquiry Form at the bottom of this page. An NKFM staff member will follow up with you soon.

Format for PATH workshops:

  1. In-person workshops
    • Group of 8-12 participants and 2 leaders.
    • Held at a variety of community locations over six weeks, once per week.
  2. Video conference/Virtual
    • Video sessions held once per week at scheduled times with 8-12 participants.
    • Requires reliable internet connection and camera feature on computer, tablet, or phone.
  3. Toolkit with phone support (done on a limited basis)
    • Self-directed, home learning with telephone support.
    • Toolkit sent by mail and calls held once per week with a small group of participants to review key weekly activities.

What are the benefits of participating?

  • increased connection to others
  • fewer symptoms
  • better communication with physicians
  • a greater sense of control over your health
  • increased physical activity
  • better general health compared to those who had not participated in the workshop

The NKFM is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its programs. To request accommodation contact the PATH team at least ten days in advance at: 800-482-1455 or e-mail at PATHPrograms@nkfm.org.​​

PATH Workshop Topics Include:

  • Self-management and chronic health conditions
  • Using your mind to manage symptoms
  • Getting a good night’s sleep
  • Action Plans
  • Problem solving
  • Dealing with difficult emotions
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Preventing falls
  • Making decisions
  • Pain and Fatigue Management
  • Better Breathing
  • Healthy eating
  • Communication skills
  • Medication usage
  • Making informed treatment decisions
  • Dealing with depression
  • Working with your health care professional
  • Future Plans

Generous Program Funders:

  • Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Area Agency on Aging – 1B
  • Area Agency on Aging  – The Senior Alliance
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – ACLS Bureau
  • University of Michigan Transplant Center
  • Beaumont Health
  • Ascension SE Michigan

PATH Inquiry Form

Thank you for your interest in the Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) program. Please fill out the form below and someone will reach out to you shortly with information about upcoming workshops.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by phone, email, and text message regarding this program or service.

LuAnn Thompson
Luann Thompson

“I just want to thank [leaders] for the Diabetes PATH sessions that were a game changer for me.  I was becoming so neurotic about what foods to eat, what not to eat and what raised my blood sugars even the slightest bit that I was driving my family crazy.   This class had such a calming effect not only by hearing that it’s normal to struggle with these things but your reassuring manner did wonders.  It also got me motivated to get moving even more.  The making of action plans got me in the habit of already planning for the winter months and staying motivated.

Most of all, it has made me realize I control diabetes and my health it’s not holding me hostage or controlling me.”