It is a known fact that Native Americans suffer from diabetes at almost twice the risk of other groups. The Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut believe it is important to address this devastating disease by offering wrap around care to all Tribal members and their families. The American Diabetes Association states that diabetes Self-Management education has proven benefits. We have seen the benefits from Self-Management education firsthand and will continue to promote Self-Management through education, nutritional support, and physical fitness programs.
Our SDPI program offers wellness programs designed to educate our Tribal members and their families of all ages about diabetes recovery, treatment, and prevention. We do this by providing programs that focus on maternal health to organizing elder walking groups. Every Tribal member household receives educational information about diabetes so that lifestyle changes can be made now to improve the quality of life and healthy lifestyles can be passed down to future generations in hopes of preventing diabetes.
Our program focuses on diabetes management to ensure that those that suffer from diabetes have the tools they need to live long and healthy lives. Our program also focuses on educating our community to prevent future members from contracting diabetes. Education is important in diabetes self-management; therefore, we educate all Tribal members, of all age groups on the disease while promoting a healthy lifestyle. As a community-based site, the Tribe will use these funds to adopt population health improvement strategies, including community engagement, education, inclusiveness of cultural practices, and tribal member participation in planning. We will continue to expand program offerings, education, and ongoing support from our diabetes team. All of which will make our program more efficient and effective while meeting our community's needs.