Approximately 17,700 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) occur each year. Estimates suggest the number of individuals living within the United States with SCI ranges from 247,000 to 358,000 persons. Up to 30% of these individuals will be re-hospitalized each year. Numerous studies demonstrate the positive effect of peer mentorship on both mentors and mentees and the potential for decreases in hospitalization through peer mentorship supports. This capstone project is a program proposal to implement a peer-to-peer mentorship program for individuals with newly acquired SCI at an acute rehabilitation setting. Individuals participating in the program will undergo peer mentorship training during activities of daily living (ADL), transfer training, and in other areas deemed important by the participants.
