Passamaquoddy Health Center (PHC) @ Indian Township is a Federally Qualified Health Clinic situated on the Motahkomikuk Native American Reservation, also known as Peter Dana Point. It is located in Washington County Maine, the most northeastern part of the state, bordering Canada. The reservation has 1369 registered tribal members and about 763 of those members utilize the PHC. The PHC is an integrated clinic providing a variety of services including acute and chronic health care, behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, dental and nutrition/WIC services. The Diabetes program began with the Model Diabetes Program in the mid 1980's and has evolved with the SDPI.
PHC is seeking a new application of SDPI funding for the continuation of this program to continue the years of services that will strengthen and allow the Diabetes Program to continue providing health care and nutrition services to people with diabetes and provide diabetes prevention services to the tribal community. Some of the SDPI funds will pay for the Diabetes Medical Records/QA staff to coordinate with all medical staff and patients to monitor kidney function as well as work with Dental providers for maintained activities for dental services. The funding will also allow the continuation of the podiatry clinic, nutrition and fitness services. The podiatrist is contracted to provide a monthly podiatry clinic to provide people with diabetes an annual foot exam that includes sensation and vascular assessments. Having regular foot exams allows for early detection and intervention with the goal to reduce the risk of foot ulcers and amputations. A registered dietitian will provide services during the diabetes clinic and in the community, especially with the elder population through Elderly Meal Site/Title VI Program where most of the people with diabetes eat. This will improve nutrition message continuity and support healthy food choices with the goal of helping to control blood sugars, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and overweight and obesity. The fitness coordinator is a part time employee who is responsible for operating the fitness center and helping people with diabetes develop a fitness program.