Diabetes
Outreach Network
Abstract
Oral
and Poster Presentations by MDON staff
CDC Diabetes Translation Conference
Chicago, IL on May 11-14, 2004
Author: Sandra Parker, Joan Koets, Julia Walters, Sharon Woodman, David Wollerman
Objective: To involve community partners in the formation and implementation of action steps to address key recommendations of a regional diabetes strategic plan.
Methods: A network of community partners from eleven Michigan counties identified three areas of focus for a regional diabetes plan and provided seven key recommendations to address these areas. Following the distribution of the strategic plan document, volunteers formed work groups that would develop action plans to address the recommendations. Diabetes Outreach Network staff members recruited work group chairs and coordinated initial and follow-up meetings. Each committee was given the flexibility it desired to accomplish the goal of creating an achievable action plan and to begin implementation of the plan.
Results: 50 individuals participate in nine work groups. Groups have a diverse composition provided by persons with diabetes, support group leaders, retirees, health professionals (physicians, podiatrist, optometrist, registered nurses, registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, medical assistants), health department staff, and representatives from the American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and African American communities. Action plans were developed and implemented by this network of volunteer citizens and community partners.
Conclusions: Directly involving community members in the creation of a regional diabetes strategic plan and in the action steps needed to accomplish the goals of the plan is a successful way of addressing areas of need related to diabetes prevention, detection and treatment. By collegial partnering, individual volunteers and community organizations can work together when there are limited resources pooling their collective knowledge and leadership to problem solve and find workable solutions to achieve shared goals.
Contact: S. A. Parker (616)735-1118
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