Staffing and Training

You will need staff to fill the following roles in your lifestyle change program:

• Lifestyle coach to lead the lifestyle change program sessions and support and encourage participants
• Program coordinatorto oversee daily operations of the lifestyle change program, support and guide lifestyle coaches, and ensure that the program meets quality performance outcomes
• Data preparation to gather, analyze, and submit data to CDC

In large programs that serve many participants, each of these roles is typically filled by a different person. Some large programs even have more than one coach and coordinator. In smaller programs, one person may fill all three roles.

Consider identifying individuals already in your organization, or affiliated with it, who would be well-suited for these positions.

The CDC Recognition Program Standards and Operating Procedures [PDF – 727KB] offer position descriptions for lifestyle coaches and program coordinators, which outline desired skills and qualifications. You can use these position descriptions to recruit program staff, if needed.

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CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs must have lifestyle coaches who are trained to use a CDC-approved curriculum and who have the knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the program. The lifestyle coach’s ability to support participants, provide guidance, and help groups work together effectively is essential for a successful lifestyle change program.

If your organization needs training for your lifestyle coaches, the organizations listed below can help. They have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CDC to provide training. Some of them can also provide training for Master Trainers, who can, in turn, train lifestyle coaches in their own and partner organizations. There are thousands of trained lifestyle coaches nationwide.

Lifestyle Coach and Master Training Organizations:

• American Association of Diabetes Educators, Diabetes Prevention Program
• Black Women’s Health Imperative
• Center for Excellence in Aging & Community Wellness/Quality and Technical Assistance Center (QTAC)
• Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center, The Emory Centers for Training and Technical Assistance at Emory University
• Magnolia Medical Foundation
• Solera Health Inc
• State of Wellness
• University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Prevention Support Center, Department of Epidemiology at the Graduate School of Public Health
• Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention & Education

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