he mission of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (“SRPMIC” or “Community”) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Diabetes Prevention Services is to raise the SRPMIC Community health status to the highest possible level by reducing the prevalence and co-morbidities of diabetes among Community members.
Diabetes poses a major challenge for Community health providers and Community members. Native American communities have higher rates of diabetes-related morbidity and mortality than the general US population and SRPMIC is no different. To address the disparity incidence of the diabetes problem, the SRPMIC Health and Human Services is seeking funding through Indian Health Service (IHS) Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) Community Directed Grant Program. The SRPMIC Diabetes Prevention Services is building on programs, emphasizing preventive health behavior education, lifelong fitness, and nutrition, in an effort to reach all Community members through prevention and intervention strategies.
The Program will focus efforts in the following areas:
• Provide education on various health topics, either in group or individual settings.
• Provide physical fitness and nutrition learning activities to encourage family involvement to promote healthy lifestyles.
• Provide support services and education to patients on glucose management to prevent and/or reduce their risk for complications.
• Establish partnerships and collaborate on health promotion services and policies in order to create an environment that supports healthy behaviors.
The SRPMIC Diabetes Prevention Services team will provide preventive health education for Community members who are identified as having a diagnosis of prediabetes/diabetes, or at risk of developing diabetes. Services will be delivered by the team on an annual basis with multiple opportunities to participate in one-on-one and group sessions.