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The Diabetes Road Show
| Name | Angela Forbes | | Situation | The Catawba Diabetes Coalition (CDC) was formed by health care professionals in 2000 to address diabetes in Lancaster, Chester and York Counties. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 18.2 million people in the United States have diabetes, and while it is estimated that 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, about 5.2 million are unaware that they even have it! (ADA)
South Carolina has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country. The prevalence of the disease is about 8.5%, and is about 250,000 known cases. It is estimated that about 120,000 more adults have diabetes and are not aware (SCDHEC). South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control data show that in1998, approximately 2,818 adults age 18 and older had been told by a doctor they had diabetes. | | Response | The County Agent is a member of the CDC and represents Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Other members represent DHEC, Springs Hospital, the Diabetes Education Center, Senior Companions, lay people, etc. In the spring of 2004, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
released RFP's to South Carolina diabetes coalitions to submit for funds for local activities. The County Agents in York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties worked closely with the CDC members to develop a program which we submitted and received ~$4,000 for FY 04-05 activities.
We were determined to focus our efforts on diabetes awareness and
education and developed a program entitled the "Diabetes Road Show" (Road Show). As components of the Road Show, we purchased educational materials, models, games and an exhibit board with posters around the different health factors of diabetes. This included nutrition, physical activity, foot care, eye care, etc. As part of the Road Show, we also included a modifiable presentation entitled "Diabetes 101". We have targeted our efforts first in Lancaster County and primarily on seniors. | | Impact | We have already conducted the Road Show for several groups, including the Golden Agers (sponsored by Springs Industries), the Senior Circle (sponsored by Springs Memorial Hospital), the diabetes support group, two community health fairs, and three churches. At this point, we have impacted about 200 people and have several more groups on the waiting list.
The evaluations have been 100% favorable, with ~80% increase in
awareness and knowledge. We have also had ~five new members join CDC. We want more lay people involved, therefore, we are developing ways to work with community leaders. |
Last update6/24/2008
This website is maintained by Dawn Lee.
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