National Peer Network (NPN)

The Amputee Coalition of America’s National Peer Network (NPN) trains and certifies amputees to provide information and emotional support to new amputees and their families. Today, there are over 650 trained peer visitors in the network. By connecting a certified peer visitor with a prospective or new amputee, NPN provides patients a greater opportunity to obtain relevant, real-world information and support, both before and after their surgery. By interacting with someone who can fully understand their life-changing experience, they get help dealing with their grief, communicating with healthcare providers, and learning how to cope with the changes to their body.

The peer network program provides materials to over 245 amputee support groups nationally and hosts a professionally moderated online support group for people with limb loss. In these groups, people with limb loss can share personal experiences, locate peer visitor trainers in their communities, and receive information on the latest prosthetic technology. The peer network is facilitated at the state and local level by ACA ’s 2 volunteer regional representatives. Regional representatives and ACA staff match and connect people with limb loss with a peer in their area who can provide support and information in person or by phone or e-mail.

The ACA conducts peer visitor training seminars each year to continue building the network of certified peer visitors.

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