A Strategic Approach to Advancing Health Equity for Priority Populations with or at Risk for Diabetes - In this proposal for Component A, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, located at 713 Pear Orchard Road, Suite 201-Plaza II, Ridgeland, MS 39157, will implement evidence-based strategies such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), Diabetes Self-Management Education Support Program (DSMES), and family centered childhood obesity interventions to improve health outcomes for the citizens of Mississippi. The DPCP will use a collaborative approach to increase capacity to address and prevent diabetes by expanding service delivery; increasing awareness, engagement, and access among priority populations; and developing referral systems that address not only diabetes care, but also social needs and barriers to service among priority populations. The DPCP has established delivery of and reimbursement for DPP and DSMES. We will build upon this, focusing on underserved counties with high diabetes incidence and mortality rates to provide the greatest benefit to those most impacted by diabetes and its complications. We will assist new DSMES and DPP sites to move towards self-sufficiency through technical assistance, provision of a billing platform, and establishing MSDH as an umbrella hub for organizations to obtain service reimbursement. We will work with the MSDH Office of Communications to deploy a multi-layered campaign targeted to healthcare providers, individuals with diabetes, and those at risk for diabetes to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, management, and complications associated with the disease. Utilizing MSDH’s existing infrastructure, workforce, and resources will maximize grant funds and enable the development of the proposed multi-directional referral system and coordination of care.
