United American Indian Involvement (UAII) will implement a Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with diabetes and/or at risk of diabetes in the County of Los Angeles. Program staff will focus on ensuring that all AI/AN with diabetes and/or at risk of diabetes are provided comprehensive and integrated healthcare including access to medical,
behavioral, social, and cultural services to meet their healthcare needs. The goals of the program include:
1. UAII will review the Diabetes Audit Report on a monthly basis to ensure measures are being met. Additionally, program staff identified two Audit Items to improve for the FY 2023 grant period. They are 1. Glycemic control, A1C > 9.0, and 2. Eye Exam -retinal screening.
2. UAII will select the SDPI Diabetes Best Practice Dental Exam to focus for the FY 2023 grant period to the target group. Activities will include the following:
a. Program staff will identify active clients on the diabetes registry in need of an annual dental exam and create a tracking template.
b. Program clinical staff will create referrals for client to receive dental services first through established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and then eventually its own in-house dental department once opened for services in late 2022/early 2023.
c. Program staff will provide education on oral health and how it relates to diabetes care for patients.
d. Case Management staff will assist in scheduling dental appointments, provide follow- up, and aid in referrals for support services.
e. Program staff will monitor dental exam rates at monthly meetings and identify and strategize on how to remove barriers to care.
f. Program staff will coordinate 1 annual community-focused dental screening and education event with a focus on oral health and diabetes.
3. Program staff will provide (at minimum) monthly health education workshops with a focus on diabetes prevention and management.
4. Program staff will provide education and offer diabetes screening to all adult AI/AN patients seen at UAII Community Clinic and at community events.
UAII is in the unique position with established trust and a built legitimacy to meet the needs of the community. Our organization is evolving to better engage, respond, and support our clients while providing linkages to additional wrap-around support for our members.